NJG Studio has designed a new book by photographer Lloyd Ziff, titled DESIRE, which delves into the legendary lives of icons Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe living in 1960s New York City. 

The book was described in a statement as, “Celebrating 50 years, these rare works hold something of the eternal—fantasy, youth, and romantic rebellion. ‘DESIRE’ documents Patti and Robert’s first photo shoot together, one of two sittings—1968 at Patti and Robert’s Hall Street space in Brooklyn, 1969 at Lloyd’s tiny apartment on Charles Street, the heart of Greenwich Village, New York City. There’s an alluring trance about both sessions but Patti and Robert don’t appear as music or art icons, rather as something more real and intimate. Arranging and creating their own language—a unique dialogue that continues to provoke and challenge today. Lloyd’s images reflect a diverse and complex world, a place where the rules are not so rigid.”

The pair have left a lasting impact on the culture and history of the art and music worlds. Smith’s book, Just Kids, that was released in 2010, explained her relationship with Maplethorpe from its earliest days, a friendship that bloomed from two kids with big dreams holding on to each other. 

Ziff’s limited edition books showcase Maplethorpe and Smith’s relationship from that of another young artist’s perspective, shooting the two misfit kids in the earliest of days. 

DESIRE is a limited edition publication with only 600 copies, 100 “Strictly Limited Edition” signed and numbered books by Lloyd Ziff, with a “Limited Edition” signed and numbered C-Type print, $250 USD, and 500 “Limited Edition” signed and numbered books by Ziff, $75 USD. Available for sale exclusively at NJG Studio from Monday, October 14th.