Mapplethorpe’s Shadows Meet Enninful’s Eye in Paris

In the heart of Paris, the world of high fashion collides with the provocative lens of Robert Mapplethorpe. Edward Enninful, known for reshaping British Vogue, steps into the curator’s role at Thaddaeus Ropac, bringing fresh eyes to Mapplethorpe’s iconic archive. This exhibition isn’t just a stroll through photography’s greatest hits. Enninful handpicks 46 prints, pairing them in unexpected ways—think muscle-bound Arnold Schwarzenegger beside the sculptural lines of couture. The show draws out Mapplethorpe’s fascination with light and shadow, using these elements to highlight contrasts: skin tones, textures, and the tension between exposure and concealment. By borrowing the visual language of magazine spreads, Enninful reframes Mapplethorpe’s work, inviting viewers to see old images in new conversation. In this gallery, every pairing becomes a dialogue, every shadow a statement. #Mapplethorpe #EdwardEnninful #ParisArtScene #Culture