Favorite Photo Analysis - Lydia Chapman

My favorite photo would have to be Ken Moody and Robert Sherman by Robert Mapplethorpe, who was active until his death from the early- to mid-twentieth century. He was famous for his black and white Polaroid photos, and this piece is nonetheless such an example. It depicts the busts of the namesakes of Moody and Sherman with their backs apparently to one another, facing opposite directions and wearing the same expression of neutrality with closed eyes. Both are bald or shaved, and nude from at least the shoulders down. Ken Moody is against a grey background, while Sherman is against the black. It is a very simple portrait of these two men, but is very powerful due to its use of contrast and uncanny symmetry.

Sherman stands out from the black background very well, and his body consists almost solely of highlights, making him the brightest focal point in the photograph. The shadows on his body are very neutral in tone and subtle even in the deepest angles. Moody has almost an equal mix of midtones and shadows, with a few prominent highlights on the side of his head and shoulder. He does not stand out as harshly against his background like Sherman does, but is pleasing to look at, especially since his shadows form something akin to a dark outline around his form that helps him pop out. The level of detail in each of the men's bodies is quite beautiful, with skin imperfections, pores, and freckles clearly visible, and each subtle shadow visible for every dip and angle in their faces and necks.

Formally, the composition of this piece is excellent. It is highly symmetrical, and even has a line that divides the background used to divide the two figures as well. Both Moody and Sherman have the same expression, and they even have similar facial profiles. The natural curves of their head and neck lead you around each of their faces in tandem and leaves you wondering how much contact they're making with each other in totality; their points of contact are very light touches of the backs of their heads and shoulders.

Mapplethorpe did a lot of work concerning the difference and similarities of races, and I believe that that's what this piece is commenting on. Although the two figures vary quite dramatically in their skin tone, they are extremely similar in terms of everything else. It gives a sense of camaraderie between the two, especially with their positions and relaxed expressions and pose. It seems to be a positive commentary on the relationship of the two races, in a friendship, acquaintance, or even romantic sense.

I highly enjoy this photo by Mapplethorpe, because it is such a simple take on a very complex, and deep-seated message. It's handled beautifully and elegantly, and belies a very calm and peaceful air. And I have a great love for the high contrast throughout both of the figures in the piece.