Who is Robert Longo?
Robert Longo, born in 1953 in Brooklyn, is a renowned artist and filmmaker whose work has left an indelible mark on contemporary art. Growing up in Long Island, New York, Longo was deeply influenced by pivotal events during his formative years, such as the Kent State University shootings in 1970. This incident spurred his interest in political activism and media imagery. Longo's career began to take shape during his time at Buffalo State College, where he formed a lasting friendship with fellow artist Cindy Sherman. Together, they moved to New York in 1977, a pivotal year that marked Longo's inclusion in the seminal "Pictures" exhibition at Artists Space, curated by Douglas Crimp.
Robert Longo’s Art Style
Robert Longo's art is characterised by its striking visual impact, blending the realms of photography and cinema with large-scale artworks. He describes his work as existing "somewhere between movies and monuments," reflecting his fascination with the power of images in popular culture and their role in depicting individual alienation within a complex society. Longo's pieces often capture moments of intense physicality and psychological tension, exploring themes of violence, confinement, and release. His aesthetic and conceptual approach became a symbol of the changing landscape of 1980s New York City, an era marked by rapid gentrification, vibrant nightlife, and a booming stock market.
In Exhibition
Longo's exhibitions have consistently drawn attention for their powerful visual narratives and thought-provoking themes. His most famous series, Men in the Cities, debuted in his first solo show at Metro Pictures Gallery in 1981. This series features large charcoal and graphite drawings of sharply dressed men and women in contorted poses, seemingly caught between moments of confinement and release. These works metaphorically represent the ambition and materialism of the 1980s yuppie culture. Longo's exhibitions have been held in prestigious venues worldwide, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, and the Museum Berardo in Lisbon.
In Popular Culture: Men in the Cities and American Psycho
Longo's Men in the Cities series has had a significant impact on popular culture. The series features prominently in the 2000 film American Psycho, which satirises the excesses of 1980s corporate America. The stark, contorted figures from this series have also influenced other media, including the iconic opening sequence of the TV show Mad Men and imagery related to 9/11. The Men in the Cities drawings, with their juxtaposition of elegance and turmoil, continue to resonate as symbols of the era's duality.
Charcoal Works and Collecting Robert Longo Prints with Lougher Contemporary
Longo's charcoal drawings are celebrated for their meticulous detail and dramatic contrasts, creating a sense of depth that almost transcends the two-dimensional plane. Collectors and art enthusiasts can explore Longo's works through platforms like Lougher Contemporary. Acquiring a Robert Longo piece means owning a part of modern art history, where each drawing and print encapsulates the artist’s commentary on power, politics, and the human condition.
Longo's influence on the art world extends beyond his iconic Men in the Cities series. His works often delve into political themes, exploring the socio-political implications of nuclear explosions and environmental activism. With exhibitions at prestigious venues and inclusion in major art biennials like the Whitney Biennial and the Venice Biennale, Longo's influence is both profound and far-reaching.
In summary, Robert Longo’s artistry is a powerful blend of visual storytelling and socio-political critique. His ability to capture the essence of an era while addressing timeless themes of power, alienation, and ambition makes his work as relevant today as it was in the 1980s. Whether through his large-scale charcoal drawings or his influence on popular culture, Longo's legacy continues to captivate and challenge audiences worldwide.
