Have You Seen ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE's Polaroids at the Whitney? They're GORGEOUS!

Controversial photographer Robert Mapplethorpe is best known for his stark studio shots, like this self-portrait.

 

But thanks to his trusty Polaroid camera, he was also able to capture his friends and models in more spontaneous poses.  A new exhibit at the Whitney Museum features 100 or so of his instant photos (spanning 1970 to 1975), many never publicly displayed before.

Patti Smith

 Jamie

Charles and Jim

 Lucy