“They Were Both Young and Very Beautiful”

Since 2000, Lloyd Ziff has focused on his photography and has been appointed as an art director for numerous prominent magazines, including Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone. This exhibition showcases portraits of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and the queen of punk, Patti Smith, which he captured during his student years.

Lloyd Ziff met Robert Mapplethorpe at Pratt Institute, a school of art, in 1967. At the time, Robert Mapplethorpe was living with his partner Patti Smith in a Brooklyn apartment, and Lloyd Ziff, as a neighbor, witnessed their artistic endeavors. "They were always painting and making sculptures. The walls of their apartment were covered with their work. They were both young and very beautiful," Lloyd Ziff recalled.



One day, Lloyd Ziff was invited to their home and asked to take their portraits. This marked the creation of their first double portrait. The double portrait he took is also featured in Patti Smith's autobiography, "Just Kids."

Then, in 1969, Lloyd Ziff photographed the two nude in his own home. Robert Mapplethorpe conceived the poses, background, and composition of the photographs. Furthermore, a collage discovered among Robert Mapplethorpe's belongings is said to be based on the silhouette of these nude photographs.

The legendary duo, who were roommates, lovers, and best friends, reveal their fresh, unadorned selves before becoming stars.

“Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith. 1968-1969”
Venue | Danziger Gallery
Dates | March 28 (Thursday) – May 4 (Saturday)
Hours | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tues-Sat) *By appointment on Mondays, Closed Sundays
Admission | Free
Address | 1527 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011
Tel. +01 (212) 629-6778
www.danzigergallery.com