I don't like that particular word 'shocking.' I'm looking for the unexpected. I'm looking for things I've never seen before … I was in a position to take those pictures. I felt an obligation to do them.
Robert MapplethorpeIf a day goes by without my doing something related to photography, it's as though I've neglected something essential to my existence, as though I had forgotten to wake up.
Robert MapplethorpeI went into photography because it seemed like the perfect vehicle for commenting on the madness of today's existence.
Robert MapplethorpeI think that it was a great advantage to go into photography not knowing much about it. Not thinking. I think one of the problems with many photographers today is that they never see for themselves, but just like everybody else.
Robert Mapplethorpe