Inside The Relationship Of Patti Smith And Robert Mapplethorpe

Patti Smith is a veritable renaissance woman: She's a writer, artist, singer, and songwriter who was instrumental in the budding punk rock scene in 1970s New York City (via Biography). While she was a young woman, she fused her poetry with music, resulting in her 1974 single, "Piss Factory," which many regard as a seminal punk rock recording. The song brought Smith considerable attention, leading to a contract with Arista Records, which enabled her to capitalize on her initial success with the release of her first full album, 1975's "Horses." The album is considered a classic in the development of punk rock and in rock 'n' roll in general. While Smith never quite reached the same level of fame that she experienced in the 1970s, she has maintained her audience and relevance by occasionally releasing albums and books to critical acclaim.

Robert Mapplethorpe cultivated a polarizing reputation during his lifetime; as a photographer, he attracted praise for his classically-influenced still life work and controversy for his unflinching depictions of S&M subjects (via Artnet). Regardless of his divisive reputation, there's no denying that his unique style — which consists of high-contrast lighting and attention to formal composition — was influential to countless photographers. Mapplethorpe's 1989 solo exhibition "The Perfect Moment" led to a widespread debate about the boundaries of free speech and tax-funded arts programs. Considering how singular both Mapplethorpe and Smith are as creators, it's no wonder that they had a relationship that was equally unusual.

According to NPR, Patti Smith met Robert Mapplethorpe on her very first day in New York City in the summer of 1967, describing him as a "hippie shepherd boy" with dark curly hair. They bonded quickly, largely due to their similar upbringings and countercultural views on art, and it wasn't long before they were spending considerable time together. Because they didn't have much money during that period, there were times when they slept in the streets.

However, as stated in Far Out Magazine, Smith and Mapplethorpe would eventually move in together at the Hotel Chelsea in Manhattan, residing in the smallest room there, Room 1017. Of course, because of their odd relationship, it only made sense that their home had an odd history that perfectly suited them. First opening in 1884, the Hotel Chelsea started off as a sort of commune before becoming a luxury hotel. But when prices dropped after World War II, it turned into a bohemian paradise, counting among its residents Jackson Pollock, Dylan Thomas, Leonard Cohen, and Arthur C. Clarke.

It must've been impossible for two young and artistic minds such as Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe to live in the Hotel Chelsea and not be influenced by its quirky history and inhabitants. According to Far Out Magazine, Smith said of their home that it was "a tremendous stroke of luck to land up there ... to dwell in this eccentric and damned hotel provided a sense of security as well as a stellar education."

It was their creativity that really brought Smith and Mapplethorpe closer. Smith tells NPR that, while she's hesitant to credit herself for Mapplethorpe's photography, she did push him to pursue the craft. "I said, 'You should take your own photographs.' I didn't mean for him to become a photographer. Once he started taking pictures, he just fell in love with photography." It was common for their artistic endeavors to cross paths with one another — Mapplethorpe is the one who took the photograph that ended up as the cover for Smith's iconic first album, "Horses."

It must've been impossible for two young and artistic minds such as Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe to live in the Hotel Chelsea and not be influenced by its quirky history and inhabitants. According to Far Out Magazine, Smith said of their home that it was "a tremendous stroke of luck to land up there...to dwell in this eccentric and damned hotel provided a sense of security as well as a stellar education."

It was their creativity that really brought Smith and Mapplethorpe closer. Smith tells NPR that, while she's hesitant to credit herself for Mapplethorpe's photography, she did push him to pursue the craft. "I said, 'You should take your own photographs.' I didn't mean for him to become a photographer. Once he started taking pictures, he just fell in love with photography." It was common for their artistic endeavors to cross paths with one another; Mapplethorpe is the one who took the photograph that ended up as the cover for Smith's iconic first album, "Horses."