Just Kids

About the book

Just Kids chronicles the relationship between Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe, beginning with their chance meeting in Brooklyn in 1967. The narrative follows their transition from starving young artists to established figures in the New York City underground. Smith details their shared residence at the Hotel Chelsea and their experiences at Max’s Kansas City, documenting their mutual commitment to creating art across multiple mediums, including poetry, drawing, and photography. The book tracks their evolution from romantic partners to lifelong confidants as they navigate poverty and the burgeoning punk rock scene.

This memoir serves readers interested in the history of the 1970s New York art world and the specific mechanics of a creative partnership. It appeals to those looking for a factual account of the social circles surrounding Warhol and the early development of Mapplethorpe’s photographic aesthetic. Readers gain an understanding of the discipline required to maintain an artistic practice without financial stability. The text provides a record of how two individuals shaped their identities through artistic collaboration and a shared refusal of conventional career paths.

Details

Published

2010

Language

EN