In a coming together which will excite many, Juergen Teller is curating an exhibition of work by the legendary photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, which will go on view at London’s Alison Jacques Gallery in November.

The work and life of Mapplethorpe has become the stuff of legend, particularly after his close friend Patti Smith published her 2010 best-selling autobiography Just Kids about their lives together in the 1960s and 70s. Most recently, he was the subject of the HBO documentary Mapplethorpe: Just Look at the Pictures (2016). This is, of course, in addition to his reputation as one of the greatest photographers of his generation.

Robert Mapplethorpe
Hands (1981) Photo Copyright Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, NY. Used by permission
Courtesy Alison Jacques Gallery, London

Teller, decades later, holds a similar role to Mapplethorpe’s in that he seamlessly straddles the worlds of art and commercial photography. Mapplethorpe’s work was groundbreaking not only because of his graphic documentation of New York’s gay S&M scene, but also due to his technique and ability to apply his vision to many, differing subjects.

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“Provocative and subversive, making images which are the antithesis of conventional fashion photography and, most importantly, a key artist of his time, Juergen Teller was the only choice to curate this special exhibition of Robert’s work,” said Alison Jacques of the upcoming exhibition. “There are obvious parallels between these artists and I am excited to see how Juergen will bring his edge, energy, and unique vision to a new reading of Robert’s work,” she added.

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Robert Mapplethorpe
Ken Moody
(1985)
Photo copyright Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, NY. Used by permission
Courtesy Alison Jacques Gallery, London

Alison Jacques Gallery has represented Mapplethorpe’s estate for the last 17 years. This exhibition follows the dual show “Robert Mapplethorpe: The Perfect Medium” at the J.Paul Getty Museum and LACMA earlier this year.

Meanwhile, German-born and London-based Juergen Teller’s 2013 exhibition “Woo” at London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts attracted the highest number of visitors of any exhibition in the history of the institution.

“Teller on Mapplethorpe” will be on view at Alison Jacques Gallery, London, from November 18, 2016 – January 7, 2017.