Mapplethorpe (1980): Self-portrait by Robert Mapplethorpe

American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe is well known for his black-and-white images and a wide range of male and female nudes that show his bluntness as an artist. Due to the nudity featured in the works as well as the examination of the BDSM subculture in New York City, his travelling solo exhibition in the late 1980s raised issues of censorship.

Mapplethorne frequently alternated between the male and feminine gender identities in his self-portraits. He openly exhibited his femininity in some situations, while in others he would present himself as a strong masculine figure. In the self-portrait shown above, Mapplethorne expresses his gender ambiguity by donning cosmetics and sporting unruly hair. The red lipstick gives the piece even more of a feminine charm and raises questions.