Tonight saw the opening of Robert Mapplethorpe's A Season in Hell at Fitzrovia's Alison Jacques Gallery. On hand for the event was rocker Patti Smith (along with several hundred of her and Mapplethorpe's fans - private view? Yeah right!). Overwhelmed by the crowds inside and out of the gallery, Smith performed a series of songs, including a goosebumps inducing, sing-along acapella rendition of “Because the Night” and a reading of “People Have the Power”. A long time friend of Mapplethorpe and one of his favourite subjects, Ms Smith also spoken lovingly of her relationship with the famed photographer. As for the exhibition, A Season in Hell is pure Mapplethorpe, and - even after the two decades that have passed since his death - his images still represent some of the most beautiful, provocative and freshest photography out there.
Alison Jacques Gallery is located at 16-18 Berners Street (W1T 3LN). Robert Mapplethorpe: A Season in Hell runs until the 21st of November. Visit the gallery's website for details.
Photography by Chris Osburn
