Just Kids

1. Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe: A transformative artistic partnership

"Who we were. Only weeks before we had been at the bottom, but our blue star, as Robert called it, was rising."

Kindred spirits. Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe's relationship began in 1967 when they met by chance in Brooklyn. Their deep connection was rooted in a shared passion for art and a desire to break free from conventional expectations. Despite their different backgrounds - Smith from a working-class family in New Jersey and Mapplethorpe from a conservative Catholic household in Long Island - they found in each other a kindred spirit and creative collaborator.

Mutual support and inspiration. Throughout their years together, Smith and Mapplethorpe constantly encouraged and challenged each other artistically. They shared living spaces, ideas, and dreams, supporting one another through periods of poverty and self-discovery. Their relationship evolved from romantic partners to lifelong friends and artistic collaborators, with each playing a crucial role in the other's creative development.

Key milestones in their partnership:

• Moving to the Chelsea Hotel together
• Collaborating on art projects and photographs
• Supporting each other's artistic endeavors
• Remaining close friends even as their paths diverged

2. The Chelsea Hotel: A crucible of creativity and counterculture

"The Chelsea was like a doll's house in the Twilight Zone, with a hundred rooms, each a small universe."

Artistic haven. The Chelsea Hotel served as a vital incubator for Smith and Mapplethorpe's artistic growth. This legendary New York City landmark housed a diverse community of artists, writers, musicians, and eccentric characters, creating an atmosphere of constant creative stimulation and cultural exchange.

Notable residents and encounters. During their time at the Chelsea, Smith and Mapplethorpe rubbed shoulders with numerous influential figures, including:

• William S. Burroughs
• Janis Joplin
• Allen Ginsberg
• Sam Shepard
• Gregory Corso

These encounters provided inspiration, mentorship, and networking opportunities that would shape their artistic trajectories and careers.

3. The evolution of Patti Smith's poetic voice and musical career

"Poetry would still be my guiding principle, but I had it in my mind to one day give Robert his wish."

From poetry to rock and roll. Patti Smith's artistic journey began with a focus on poetry, drawing inspiration from French Symbolists like Arthur Rimbaud and American beat poets. Her transition to music was gradual, starting with poetry readings accompanied by guitar and evolving into full-fledged rock performances.

Key stages in Smith's musical development:

• Poetry readings at St. Mark's Church
• Collaborations with Lenny Kaye
• Formation of the Patti Smith Group
• Regular performances at CBGB
• Recording "Horses" at Electric Lady Studios

Smith's unique blend of poetic lyricism and raw rock energy helped establish her as a pioneer of the punk rock movement and a influential figure in American music.

4. Robert Mapplethorpe's journey to photographic mastery

"Robert trusted in the law of empathy, by which he could, by his will, transfer himself into an object or a work of art, and thus influence the outer world."

Artistic evolution. Mapplethorpe's path to becoming a renowned photographer was marked by experimentation and a relentless pursuit of his vision. He began with collages and mixed-media works before focusing on photography, initially using Polaroid cameras before transitioning to more sophisticated equipment.

Controversial subject matter. Mapplethorpe's work often pushed boundaries, particularly in his exploration of sexuality and the male form. His photographs ranged from elegant floral still lifes to explicit images of New York's S&M subculture. This duality in his work reflected his complex personality and artistic vision.

Key elements of Mapplethorpe's photographic style:

• Meticulous attention to composition and lighting
• Focus on form and texture
• Exploration of beauty in unexpected subjects
• Blurring the lines between fine art and pornography

5. The influence of cultural icons and literary figures

"I had faith that under Sandy's impeccable direction it would be beautifully shot. Robert's Chant d'Amour."

Literary inspirations. Both Smith and Mapplethorpe were deeply influenced by a wide range of cultural figures, particularly writers and poets. Smith's work drew heavily from:

• Arthur Rimbaud
• William Blake
• Charles Baudelaire
• Jim Morrison

Artistic mentors. Throughout their careers, Smith and Mapplethorpe benefited from the guidance and support of established artists and cultural figures:

• Allen Ginsberg
• William Burroughs
• Andy Warhol
• Sam Wagstaff (Mapplethorpe's patron and lover)

These influences shaped their artistic sensibilities and helped them navigate the complexities of the New York art world.

6. New York City's art scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s

"It was a world away from the Ziegfeld. The absence of glamour made it seem all the more familiar, a place that we could call our own."

Creative ferment. New York City in this era was a hotbed of artistic innovation and cultural change. The city's vibrant art scene encompassed various movements and venues:

• The Factory and Andy Warhol's circle
• Max's Kansas City
• The emerging punk scene at CBGB
• Off-Broadway theater and experimental film

Economic challenges. Despite the creative energy, many artists struggled financially. Smith and Mapplethorpe's early years in New York were marked by poverty and hustling to make ends meet, a common experience for young artists in the city at that time.

7. The birth of punk rock and CBGB

"We imagined ourselves as the Sons of Liberty with a mission to preserve, protect, and project the revolutionary spirit of rock and roll."

CBGB as crucible. The legendary club CBGB played a crucial role in the development of punk rock and new wave music. Smith and her band, along with groups like Television and Talking Heads, found a home for their innovative and raw sound at this Bowery dive bar.

Punk ethos. The punk movement that emerged at CBGB was characterized by:

• DIY aesthetics
• Rejection of mainstream rock conventions
• Raw, energetic performances
• Blending of poetry and rock music

Smith's performances at CBGB, blending her poetic sensibilities with rock energy, helped define the emerging punk sound and attitude.

8. Navigating love, sexuality, and artistic identity

"We needed time to figure out what all of this meant, how we were going to come to terms and redefine what our love was called."

Complex relationships. Both Smith and Mapplethorpe grappled with questions of sexuality and identity throughout their relationship and careers. Mapplethorpe's gradual acceptance of his homosexuality was a source of both tension and growth in their partnership.

Artistic exploration. For both artists, their work became a means of exploring and expressing their evolving identities:

• Smith's androgynous image and poetic explorations of gender
• Mapplethorpe's explicit photographs of gay subcultures
• Their collaborative portraits and art projects

Their journey illustrates the complex interplay between personal identity, sexuality, and artistic expression.

9. The power of mentorship and artistic patronage

"Sam Wagstaff was simultaneously old and young. Part sheriff, part gumshoe. All writer."

Crucial support. Throughout their careers, Smith and Mapplethorpe benefited from the guidance and financial support of mentors and patrons. Key figures included:

• Sam Wagstaff for Mapplethorpe
• Allen Ginsberg for Smith
• John McKendry, curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Impact on artistic development. These relationships provided:

• Financial stability
• Access to artistic resources and networks
• Guidance in navigating the art world
• Encouragement to pursue ambitious projects

The support of these mentors was instrumental in allowing both artists to fully realize their creative visions.

10. The making of "Horses" and its cultural impact

"These things were encoded in Horses as well as a salute to those who paved the way before us."

Groundbreaking album. The recording of Smith's debut album "Horses" at Electric Lady Studios marked a significant milestone in her career and in the history of rock music. The album blended Smith's poetic sensibilities with raw rock energy, creating a sound that was both innovative and deeply rooted in rock tradition.

Cultural significance. "Horses" had a profound impact on the music world:

• Helped define the emerging punk rock sound
• Inspired countless musicians across genres
• Established Smith as a major artistic voice
• Challenged gender norms in rock music

The album's iconic cover photograph, taken by Mapplethorpe, visually encapsulated the album's blend of raw energy and artistic sophistication, becoming one of the most recognizable images in rock history.

Last updated: January 22, 2025