Prince and the Revolution of Gender-Fluid Beauty and Sex

The Artist Forever Known as Prince

Prince, not unlike David Bowie, astonished. But Prince had an imperative sexuality to his music and visual presentation that the brilliant Bowie didn’t explore. Prince gave men permission to have huge beautiful hair, to wear satin, silk, glitter, and makeup. And to be short. His small stature never undercut his sexual bravado and swagger.

Prince (1979)

He was daring because he was completely unafraid about playing with feminine roles and glamour at the far end of the scale, yet his taste was flawless.  

Parade (1986)

Enjoy this collection of his album covers and a few pieces of art by notably gay artists Andy Warhol and Robert Mapplethorpe that remind us how far into the future Prince was. 

Lovesexy (1988)

Lovesexy (1988) Alternative Photo

Prince by Andy Warhol (1984)

Blue

Prince by Andy Warhol (1984)

Red

Controversy (1981)

Controversy (1981) Album Poster

1999 (1982)

1999 (1982) Alternative Photo

Prince by Robert Mapplethorpe (1980)

Dirty Mind (1980)

Graffiti Bridge (1990)

Around the World in a Day (1985)

Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (1999)

Purple Rain (1984)

The Hits/The B Sides (1993)

The Hits I (1993)

Art Official Age (2014)