ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE (1946–1989)
Invitation to Light Gallery opening, January 6, 1973
gelatin silver print from Polaroid negative with adhesive dot
embossed photographer's credit (margin); affixed gallery announcement label (verso)
image: 2 7/8 x 3 3/4 in. (7.3 x 9.5 cm.)
sheet: 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 in. (8.2 x 10.7 cm.)
Anne McDonald (1942–2018), a founder of an alternative gallery Artspace in San Francisco and contributing editor of Artforum, was instrumental in exhibiting cutting edge artist in the 1980s and later publishing their works. This work speaks to the integral role McDonald played in the art community and the friendship she shared with Robert Mapplethorpe. This print is enclosed in a protective Polaroid Polacolor Land Film sleeve and is accompanied by an addressed envelope to Anne, then Manoogian, likely in the artist’s hand.

Acquired directly from the artist by founder of Artspace Gallery, San Francisco, Anne Macdonald (1942–2018).

Sylvia Wolf, Polaroids: Mapplethorpe, Prestel, Munich, Berlin, London, New York, 2008, pl. 183, p. 233 and cover.