
Just Kids
Patti Smith
What's inside?
Dive into the captivating journey of Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe, two artists who grew up together in New York, exploring their friendship, struggles, and path to fame.
You'll learn
Key points
01Patti and Robert's art obsession
"Patti and Robert: Hungry for Art" is a simple way to sum up the lives of Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe, two big names in the world of art and music. Their hunger for art wasn't just about making things, but a deep need to express themselves and understand the world around them. Patti Smith, an American artist, is a woman of many talents. She's a poet, singer, songwriter, author, and painter. Her journey in art is marked by a never-ending chase for creativity and a refusal to be boxed into one type of art. She's a true punk rock spirit, with her work often showing raw energy and a rebellious spirit. Smith's accomplishments show her talent and dedication. She's been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, won the National Book Award, and has been named one of the 100 Greatest Artists by Rolling Stone Magazine. But these awards only show a small part of her impact on the world of art and music. Robert Mapplethorpe, Smith's lifelong friend and artistic partner, was also driven by a hunger for art. He started his career as a painter and visual artist, but it was his move to photography that really let him leave his mark. Mapplethorpe's black and white photos, from celebrity portraits to daring pictures of the gay male BDSM subculture, pushed the limits and challenged what was considered normal. Mapplethorpe's work wasn't without controversy, but it was his willingness to explore taboo subjects and his honest portrayal of the human body that set him apart. His influence on the world of photography is huge, and his work continues to inspire artists all over the world. The hunger for art that drove both Smith and Mapplethorpe wasn't just about personal expression, but also about challenging the norm and pushing the limits of what art could be. Their lives and work show the power of art to provoke, inspire, and change. Their story is a fascinating look at their journey in art and the lasting legacy they've left behind.
02When they were young and naive
Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe were just kids once, young and green, their artistic souls just beginning to stir. Patti, a girl from New Jersey, found herself in the pages of "Little Women", a book by Louisa May Alcott. She saw herself in Jo March, the book's fiery, independent heroine who dreamed of being a writer. This character, who bucked the norms of her time, inspired Patti to chase her own writing dreams. Meanwhile, Robert Mapplethorpe, a Long Island boy and one of six siblings, was drawn to art from a young age. He loved to sketch, color, and craft jewelry. Even though he wasn't particularly religious, he was an altar boy, captivated by the beauty and mystery of the church. His family had other plans for him, but Robert held tight to his dream of becoming an artist. He respected his parents and tried to meet their expectations, but his heart was set on art. Robert was a bit of a mystery, keeping his childhood adventures to himself. Patti, on the other hand, was an open book. She loved to share stories from her youth, from snowball fights to impromptu plays with her childhood friends. This dynamic worked for them, with Patti as the storyteller and Robert as the eager listener. In essence, when Patti and Robert were just kids, they were on the cusp of discovering their artistic identities. Their early experiences and influences played a big part in shaping their future careers and their bond with each other.

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03Taking a leap of faith for their dream
04Living and brainstorming together
05Not all was rosy
06The artist's haven
07Patience and hard work pay off
08Conclusion
About Patti Smith
Patti Smith is an American singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist, who became a highly influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album "Horses." Known as the "punk poet laureate," Smith fused rock and poetry in her work. She's also a National Book Award-winning author.