6. Robert Michael Mapplethorpe
Robert Mapplethorpe broke barriers with his striking, often explicit photographs that boldly explored sexuality, identity, and taboo subjects like S&M and homoeroticism. His work sparked fierce debates over censorship, art, and free speech, making him a lightning rod in the culture wars of the 1990s. More than just controversy, Mapplethorpe’s legacy lives on in the way he challenged society to confront and welcome difficult conversations about desire and freedom.