Robert Mapplethorpe''s influence as an artist has grown steadily since his untimely death in 1989. Recently, over a period of seven years, seven extraordinary contemporary artists-David Hockney, Vik Muniz, Catherine Opie, Sterling Ruby, Cindy Sherman, Hedi Slimane, and Robert Wilson-each in turn reviewed Mapplethorpe''s entire body of work to select those that personally resonated. The result was the groundbreaking series of exhibitions documented in this book, which also features intensive interv iews conducted by Richard Flood, noted curator of the New Museum of Contemporary Art (New York). This beautiful and compelling presentation offers bold new insights into Mapplethorpe''s genius and his lasting impact on contemporary art.