Tuesday 24 May 2011

Just Kids: Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe.



I have just finished reading: 'Just Kids' by Patti Smith, which narrates the relationship between Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe. Their story is one of tumultuous emotions and unpredictable horizons; all fuelled by their love and dedication to art and music. For Patti, art is: poetry, drawing and eventually music (I never realised how late into her career she picked up the guitar). For Robert, art is mixed media and photography. The two find themselves brought together one night in the streets of New York in the late 1960's and they never leave each others side from that moment on. It is a beautiful tale which is at times veiled in sadness. If it wasn't for Robert, the music Patti made may never have happened. If it wasn't for Patti, Robert's photos may never have lined the walls of countless galleries. I have already written one song inspired by their tale, but many more could be written.







Some of Patti's drawings:





Some of Robert's photographs:









Here is one of Patti's poems written for Robert:

As there is strength
in blackness
a deep control
a calla flare
trumpets
grace corporeal
there is a steady hand
adjusting child lace
and bravery's face
in veil inviolate
there is a steady hand
adept in heavens skin
spending into black
where pure hearts
are kin.


6 comments:

  1. Muy interesante. Buena rima.Bonita poesía.Me gusta el contraste.La poesía y la fotografía expresan mucho sentimiento

    http://socialculturalyhumano.blogspot.com/

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  2. I ADORE this book, it changed the way I look at being young. So glad I picked it up!

    www.audioandadventures.blogspot.com

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  3. Really great to have stumbled upon this, and going to have t pick up this bool. Lovely song, any idea who the second to last photograph of Robert and Patti together was taken by? Thanks.

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  4. it is officially in my top 5 books of all time and i've only read half of it now

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  5. I concur, it is inspired me to finally pursue my dreams as an artist

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