Maplethorpe, Mann and Serrano produced bodies of work that were highly controversial when they were exhibited. Choose one example that might be controversial and describe both sides of the controversy. Post the example with a full citation on your blog.
This photographs is one of the first which appeared of Maplethorpe’s work as I searched through the bodies of work. It stood out to me right away for a few reasons. Focusing specifically on the controversy which is likely produced, the first side is that this image is very provocative and a strange way to present yourself in a “self portrait”. Placing himself in the nude is clearly controversy within itself. That being said though, the other side of the argument is the way which is he being himself and expressing himself differently than society would except. He is being himself in the photo, allowing for freedom of expression.