Philip Glass and Robert Wilson
Enlarge
? Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. Used by permission.

Reference URL

Philip Glass and Robert Wilson 1976
  • Artist Rooms
Mapplethorpe took this iconic photograph of Philip Glass and Robert Wilson in the same year as the production of Glass?s landmark opera, `Einstein on the Beach,? which Wilson directed. The similar poses that the two men have adopted, as well as the geometry of the composition, emphasise their close collaboration ? as well as their differences. The walls behind them are not the same. The white wall behind Wilson stands a few inches in front of the coloured wall behind Glass. Whereas Glass is unkempt, quite scruffily dressed and holding his hands in a contorted fashion, Wilson is well-groomed and generally more self-composed.

Glossary Open

Composition

The arrangement of different elements in a work of art.

Icon

A devotional image, usually depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary or a saint, traditionally associated with the Byzantine, Greek and Roman Orthodox Churches. By extension, it is used to denote an important and enduring symbol.

Composition, Icon

Details

  • Acc. No. AR00214
  • Medium Photograph on paper
  • Size 50.80 x 40.60 cm
  • Credit ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund 2008

See related artworks

Part of

Artist Rooms