I was thrilled to have a chance recently to see the Mapplethorpe portraits at the San Jose Museum of Art. As I studied the stunning black and whites at length, I saw what a master of composition he was.

How he used the frame and lighting in interesting ways.

How beautiful and impactful his vision was.

The curator’s note on this self-portrait, courageously depicting the ravages of Mapplethorpe’s disease, beautifully composed, makes it a masterpiece. I agree.
Such a loss to the world of art.