15 November 2010 The critically acclaimed ARTIST ROOMS exhibition at Towner is coming to an end this week with a special Mapplethorpe Weekend offering visitors a final chance to delve into the photographer’s iconic works.
This Saturday and Sunday Towner will be welcoming a panel of guests to discuss 20th century photographer Robert Mapplethorpe’s work and will be screening a BBC documentary all about the artist’s life, which includes an interview with one of his most famous subjects Patti Smith.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism Cllr Neil Stanley said “ARTIST ROOMS has been a fantastic exhibition for Towner and a great example of the diverse range of artists and collections we have showcased since opening last year. Mapplethorpe Weekend promises to be a really interesting and insightful look into the photographs on display and what they can tell us about Robert Mapplethorpe’s era. I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t visited the exhibition yet, as well as those who have already visited and are intrigued by Mapplethorpe’s works, to go along this weekend for what promises to be a brilliant ending to this exhibition.”
On Saturday afternoon visitors can book for Anthony d’Offay In Conversation With Keith Hartley when ARTIST ROOMS benefactor Anthony will give an overview of the collection with special emphasis on Robert Mapplethorpe. With a reputation for giving talks that hold an audience fascinated, Anthony will be answering a pertinent series of questions from Keith giving visitors a real insight into Mapplethorpe the artist.
And on Sunday visitors can attend Mapplethorpe, Media and Gender for free and hear lecturers Dr Niall Richardson from the University of Sussex and Dr Sally Miller from the University of Brighton discussing Mapplethorpe’s work in the wider context of sexual politics and contemporary photography, as well as exploring the impact and legacy of his work.
With Towner also showing Robert Mapplethorpe throughout the weekend, a 1988 documentary produced by Arena and directed by Nigel Finch, gallery visitors have a rare opportunity to view the programme from the BBC’s archives on the big screen.
ARTIST ROOMS is on now at Towner and ends this Sunday 21 November. For more information on what’s coming up at Towner and to find out about other current exhibitions, including Here, There, Everywhere visit the web page or call 01323 434670.
