Robert Longo Quotes
- Artist
- 1953
Robert Longo is an American artist known for his large-scale charcoal drawings, sculptures, and films. He rose to prominence in the 1980s as a leading figure in the Neo-Expressionist movement. Longo’s work often explores themes of power, violence, and the human condition in a hyperrealistic st…Read More
Robert Longo is an American artist known for his large-scale charcoal drawings, sculptures, and films. He rose to prominence in the 1980s as a leading figure in the Neo-Expressionist movement. Longo’s work often explores themes of power, violence, and the human condition in a hyperrealistic style. His most notable works include the “Men in the Cities” series, which depicts contorted figures in business attire, and his “Monsters” series, which features enlarged images of weapons. Longo’s work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world, solidifying his place as one of the most influential contemporary artists.Read Less
Robert Longo is an American artist known for his large-scale charcoal drawings, sculptures, and films. He rose to prominence in the 1980s as a leading figure in the Neo-Expressionist movement. Longo’s work often explores themes of power, violence, and the human condition in a hyperrealistic style. His most notable works include the “Men in the Cities” series, which depicts contorted figures in business attire, and his “Monsters” series, which features enlarged images of weapons. Longo’s work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world, solidifying his place as one of the most influential contemporary artists.
6 Top Robert Longo Quotes
Robert Longo Career Highlights
- In the late 1970s, Longo emerged as a prominent figure in the New York art scene, alongside other artists such as Cindy Sherman and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
- In 1981, Longo gained widespread recognition for his “Men in the Cities” series, which depicted sharply dressed men and women in contorted poses, capturing the fast-paced and chaotic energy of urban life.
- In the 1980s, Longo also began creating large-scale charcoal drawings of iconic images from popular culture, such as movie stills and advertisements, blurring the lines between high and low art.
- In 1989, Longo collaborated with musician Michael Stipe of R.E.M. to create the music video for their hit song “The One I Love,” which featured Longo’s signature style of dramatic black and white imagery.
- In the 1990s, Longo expanded his practice to include sculpture, creating monumental works such as “Corporate Wars: Wall of Influence,” a 100-foot-long installation of 40 bronze sculptures depicting corporate logos and symbols.
- In recent years, Longo has continued to push the boundaries of his medium, experimenting with new techniques and materials, such as digital printing and aluminum panels.
Key Contributions by Robert Longo
- Longo’s work is characterized by his use of dramatic contrasts and bold, graphic imagery, which often comment on contemporary society and its obsession with consumerism, power, and violence.
- His “Men in the Cities” series has become an iconic representation of the 1980s, capturing the excess and energy of the decade.
- Longo’s exploration of popular culture and its influence on society has influenced a generation of artists, and his work continues to be referenced and celebrated in contemporary art.
- As a multidisciplinary artist, Longo has successfully blurred the lines between traditional mediums, creating a unique and dynamic body of work that defies categorization.
What Sets Robert Longo Apart
- Longo’s technical mastery of charcoal drawing is unparalleled, with his large-scale works often taking months to complete. His attention to detail and ability to capture emotion and movement in his subjects is what sets his work apart.
- Longo’s ability to seamlessly blend elements of pop culture, politics, and social commentary in his work makes him a truly unique and thought-provoking artist.
- His willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of his medium has allowed him to continuously evolve and stay relevant in the ever-changing art world.
Takeaways
- Robert Longo’s career highlights the power of art to comment on and reflect society, as well as the impact of popular culture on our lives.
- His technical skill and ability to create visually striking and thought-provoking works have solidified his place as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
- Longo’s multidisciplinary approach to art serves as a reminder to artists and audiences alike to constantly push the boundaries and challenge traditional notions of art.