Portrait of a Vet/Homage to Robert Mappelthorpe

[Major Black]

When I saw artist, activist and veteran Bud's cane, I knew I had to shoot a "Homage to Robert Mapplethorpe" (although I am not a big fan of RM).
He made this cane on the theme of the Holocaust.


Hasselblad, 120/5.6 S-Planar, Acros, I devleoped in Xtol 1:1.

I am doing a series on local activists, all shot with black and white, medium format film.

[br1078lum]

For an opener, this is a powerful way to start a series, Mark.

PF

[Major Black]

Thanks PF. I feel like I am going back to my roots as a photographer.
Should be an interesting series. Already shot five great people.
 :cool:

[Austintatious]

A very strong image Mark. Can't wait to see more in this series.

Charles

[LarryD]

Powerful.

[lesged]

Mark,

I like your "Portrait of a Vet" better than Robert Mapplethorpe's self -portrait with cane.

[Raid Amin]

This seems to become a very exciting project, Mark. I like your image a lot.

Raid

[radiophoto]

Yours stands on its own, Mark, so you should downplay the Mapplethorpe similarities, especially if you're continuing a series with activists.  It's terrific!

[jamesmck]

Mark - I prefer your out-of-focus face.  I am no fan of Mapplethorpe's art, but he sure was a troubled soul.  Have you read Patti Smith's Just Kids?

James

[Major Black]

Charles, thank you!

James, I'm not a fan either. Wasn't then when everyone was going nuts over his work. But it's rather a natural thing to do with a cane yet RM had to be mentioned.

Pete, thanks man. I have no plan of any further Mappelthorpe homages! I do plan on continueing in a somewhat classic portraiture mode.

Raid, thank you. It's a good thing for me to do, back to my roots plus I meet some amazing people and do something nice for them.

Les, thanks. That's quite a compliment.

Larry, thanks. He's a powerful guy in his own right, even if he may seem crazy to the outside world (like us!).

I have four more portraits shot, ready to be developed today.