Maple Tree Meets the Censors
1990
Polychromed Found Wood/ Plywood/ Nails/ Dowels/ Leather
21"H x 17"W x 6"D

 


So much has transpired since the controversies surrounding the artwork of Robert Mapplethorpe. His work is at once elegant, erotic, austere, deeply sadomasochistic, and pornographic; and it wasn't to the aesthetic, philosophical and religious tastes of everyone.

It might have gone altogether unnoticed outside of the lofty art circles of Manhattan, however; but for the cancellation of the retrospective "The Perfect Moment" at the Corcoran Gallery of Art -- a mere hop and skip away from the White House; and the later prosecution of Dennis Barrie of the Contemporary Arts Center, in the arch-conservative town of Cincinnati, Ohio, for pandering obscenity.

"Maple Tree Meets the Censors" is directly informed by Mapplethorpe's work, with special reference to his infamous "Man in Polyester Suit."

The shape of the wood suggests a phallus (the working title for the work was "Dick Head"); a crown of nails is driven into his head to suggest the slings and arrows of Robert's enemies (compare with "the human blockhead"); and leather is lashed across his mouth to silence his scream (the other alternate title of the work is "Maple Tree's Silent Scream.")

Hopefully, "Maple Tree" is a fitting folk art tribute to his legacy. I think Robert would have been pleased.


W. Logan Fry Maple Tree Meets the Censors 1990 Polychromed Found Wood Plywood Nails Dick Head Robert Mapplethorpe The Perfect Moment Conservation by Design Museum of Art Rhode Island School of Design Providence R.I. RI 1993

Exhibition History:
Conservation by Design, Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, R.I. (1993); The Truth of False Faces, Sandusky Cultural Center, Sandusky, OH (1992); Two-Artist Show with Barbara Bachtell, 9th Street Studio, Cleveland, OH (1991).