An exhibition of Robert Mapplethorpe, the legendary photographer known as Patti Smith's soulmate and who passed away in 1989 at the age of 42, will be held at Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store from Friday, February 1st through Thursday, February 14th.

This exhibition focuses on Mapplethorpe's "Flowers" series, which he began working on in the 1970s, and features over 100 works, including nine rare color works. The sensual expressions of these works, capturing the climax of life's form and mass as a "perfect moment"—shining amid the process of flower decay—have inspired many artists and fashion designers.

Mapplethorpe was born in New York in 1946. From the age of 17 to 24, he studied graphic arts, painting, and sculpture at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. While there, he met and lived with poet and singer Patti Smith. He eventually began film and photography in New York, and was later discovered by art collector Sam Wagstaff. With his powerful backing, he emerged as a maverick in the photography world. He is known for his black-and-white photographs, including still lifes of flowers, nudes, and self-portraits. In 1988, he became the first photographer to hold a major retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. A traveling retrospective toured Japan in 1992. Also, starting February 1st, "Chocolate Paradise," held in the 7th floor event space, will feature a limited-edition chocolate (¥2,400) in special packaging, limited to 300 pieces, created by pastry chef Hironobu Tsujiguchi, who expresses Mapplethorpe's sensibility. A special shop within the venue will also be selling original collaboration products by Yasutoshi Esumi, designer of the Tokyo Collection brand "Yasuto Shiezumi," and Kazuki Kuraishi, designer who has worked on projects for brands such as Adidas and Levi's.

[Exhibition Information]
Robert Mapplethorpe: Flowers Photography Exhibition
Period: Friday, February 1st to Thursday, February 14th, 2013
Venue: Seibu Gallery, 2nd floor of the Annex, Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store
Opening hours: 10:00 to 20:00
* Last admission 30 minutes before closing
* On the final day, Thursday, February 14th, this venue will close at 6:00 pm only
Admission fee: 500 yen for adults and university students (free for high school students and younger)
* Free admission for Club On and Millennium card members with card presentation