Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe Poster

Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe 2007

★ 4.810 votes77 min📅 2007-05-01

Dive into the vibrant and transformative art scene of 1970s New York with *Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe* (2007), a compelling documentary by filmmaker James Crump.

Director: James Crump

Cast

Patti Smith
Patti Smith
Self
Robert Mapplethorpe
Robert Mapplethorpe
Self (archive footage)
Sam Wagstaff
Self (archive footage)
Pierre Apraxine
Self
Dick Cavett
Dick Cavett
Self (archive footage)
Dominick Dunne
Dominick Dunne
Self (archive footage)
Raymond Foye
Self
Jeffrey Fraenkel
Self - Fraenkel Gallery
Philippe Garner
Self
Ralph Gibson
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe (2007) about?

This documentary delves into the influential lives of curator Sam Wagstaff and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, alongside musician Patti Smith, as they shaped the bold and provocative art scene of 1970s New York. Through their personal and professional connections, the film reveals how their collaboration ignited a cultural revolution that still resonates today.

Who directed Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe?

The film was directed by James Crump, a filmmaker known for exploring the intersections of art, culture, and history.

Who stars in Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe?

The documentary features Patti Smith, Robert Mapplethorpe, Sam Wagstaff, Pierre Apraxine, and Dick Cavett among its key participants.

Is Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe (2007) worth watching?

If you're drawn to the raw energy of 1970s New York or fascinated by the lives of iconic artists, this film is absolutely worth your time. At 77 minutes, it's a concise yet deeply engaging portrait of creativity and connection, perfect for anyone interested in the roots of modern art and culture.

How long is Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe?

The runtime of Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe is 77 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe (2007) — A vibrant dive into 1970s New York art scene

Dive into the vibrant and transformative art scene of 1970s New York with *Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe* (2007), a compelling documentary by filmmaker James Crump. This intimate exploration shines a spotlight on the dynamic trio of curator Sam Wagstaff, avant-garde photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, and poet-musician Patti Smith, whose creative energies intersected to redefine modern art and culture. Directed by James Crump, the film uncovers the personal and artistic relationships that shaped an era, blending archival footage with candid interviews to reveal the raw energy of a city that was the epicenter of rebellion and innovation.

Through the lens of Wagstaff's visionary curation, Mapplethorpe's boundary-pushing photography, and Smith's poetic voice, this documentary captures the essence of a movement that challenged conventions and celebrated the bold, the beautiful, and the unconventional. With a runtime of just 77 minutes, *Black White + Gray* packs a punch, offering viewers a concise yet immersive journey into the heart of New York's art world, where passion, power, and artistry collided.