Edward Mapplethorpe, a native New Yorker, began his solo career in 1990 and was quickly acclaimed for his fine edged luminous nudes, portraits, and still lives. However, it was the artist’s innovative work underwater (Undercurrents, 1992-94) that first distinguished him as a unique talent in bridging the gap between photography and abstract painting. Mapplethorpe continued to push the boundaries of black and white traditional photography and in 2007, a solo exhibition in New York featuring the TimeLines series showcased his most ambitious project to date. These works elucidate the artist’s formal exploration of line by combining the gestural impulses of action painting with non-camera techniques. TimeLines, along with the subsequent series TimeZones, traveled to Berlin, Germany (2008) and Rome, Italy (2009). New work by the artist will be exhibited in New York in spring 2011.

Proceeds will be donated to Friends In Deed -- The Crisis Center for Life-Threatening Illness.

Friends In Deed, founded by Mike Nichols and Cynthia O’Neal in 1991, has helped transform many thousands of lives through a wide array of free programs and services. Friends In Deed provides emotional and spiritual support for anyone diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening physical illnesses. Support is also available for family, friends, and caregivers of those who are ill, and anyone dealing with grief and bereavement.