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

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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.

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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

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