"I'm not a photojournalist"

In this quote, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe is specifying that he does rule out himself to be a photojournalist. This could mean that he does not see his work as simply recording events or news, however rather as a type of creative expression. Mapplethorpe was understood for his controversial and intriguing photos, often checking out styles of sexuality and identity. By specifying that he is not a photojournalist, he may be distancing himself from the concept of objective reporting and instead welcoming the subjectivity and creativity of his work. This quote highlights the blurred lines in between various types of photography and the value of specific analysis in art.