Photo21 is a live auction taking place Dec. 9 at Milk Studios and online that benefits West Hollywood’s Stories: The Foundation for the AIDS Monument and Project Angel Food. The event will offer photography by more than 60 artists, including Herb Ritts, Robert Mapplethorpe and Ron Galella.
Variety asked auction co-chair Willie Maldonado of Milk Studios about some of his favorite pieces up for bidding.
Tickets for the auction are available here.
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Kwaku Alston
Image Credit: Courtesy of Milk Studios/Kwaku Alston Nelson Mandela, 2003
“Kwaku captures humanity in his work with a unique and pensive beauty. This portrait of Nelson Mandela reminds us of the strength of compassion. It’s inspiring to see the work Kwaku has done with the Black AIDS Institute. We are proud of all he is accomplishing not only within the industry but also within the community.”
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Robert Mapplethorpe
Image Credit: Courtesy of Milk Studios/Robert Mapplethorpe 1939 Wrestler, 1989
“We are honored to be able to feature one of the original works from the legendary Mapplethorpe. This photo embodies self-expression and truly showcases Mapplethorpe’s dedication to craft.”
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Ron Galella
Image Credit: Courtesy of Milk Studios/Ron Galella Naomi Campbell & Grace Jones, 1990
“This photo totally showcases the energy of New York and the roots of our industry! A Ron Galella photo is always a fun, candid and intimate moment that is forever captured in time.”
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Herb Ritts
Image Credit: Courtesy of Milk Studios/Herb Ritts Tony and Brian in the Sand, Paradise Cove, 1986
“Herb Ritts is really our inspiration. He paved the way for L.A. celebrity photographers, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without Ritts’ influence.”
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Ed Ruscha
Image Credit: Courtesy of Milk Studios/Ed Ruscha 8543 Sunset Blvd., 1966
“An exploration of the ordinary. L.A. has such an iconic aesthetic that no one can capture quite like Ruscha.”
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Sean Black
Image Credit: Sean Black MJ Rodriguez, Los Angeles CA 2019
“Being who you are and living true to yourself is everything MILK is all about – #liveyourlook. MJ is an inspiration and an unstoppable force. Bold, powerful, and unafraid.”
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Burt Glinn
Image Credit: Courtesy of Milk Studios/Burt Glinn Burt Glinn, Andy Warhol with Edie Sedgwick and Chuck Wein, 1965
“Glinn is notorious for capturing the essence of culture during the 50’s and 60’s.”
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Brad Elterman
Image Credit: Courtesy of Milk Studios/Brad Elterman Joan Jett On The Phone with Lisa, 1977
“Brad is truly the LA Sunset Strip Legend. His work is timeless and we love this image of Joan Jett. Joan was such a style icon and even to this day is still inspiring young artists.”
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Estevan Oriol
Image Credit: Courtesy of Milk Studios/Estevan Oriol A&G Car Show Girls, 2019
“Estevan represents LA in its truest form. We have a long history of working with him and love the way he captures the authenticity of LA by contrasting the glamour and edge of our community.”
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Madeleine Dalla Torre Castillo
Image Credit: Courtesy of Milk Studios/Madeleine Dalla Torre Castillo Beneath the Surface, 2016
“Madeleine’s use of color and form is stunning. We are lucky to have her in the Milk family and can not wait to see her growth as an artist within the industry.”