Robert Longo and his conception of art
The American artist Robert Longo, known for his monumental charcoal drawings, combines art and social criticism in an unconventional way in his work. The exhibition at the Albertina in Vienna is dedicated to Longo’s work, which ranges from the iconic Men in the Cities series to the Bodyhammers and the God Machines. Longo explores themes such as American gun culture, global politics and the power of religion. His works, which are often based on well-known photographs, are characterised by dramatic contrasts of light and dark that captivate the viewer. At the same time, they are an example of how artistic techniques can make social debates visible.
© RobertLongo / Bildrecht, Vienna 2024, Photo: Robert Longo Studio
Figures as a mirror of social dynamics
The figures in Longo’s drawings are more than mere images. In the Men in the Cities series in particular, people are depicted in extreme, dynamic poses that express tension and inner turmoil. One work, for example, shows a figure bending as if at the moment of falling – a gesture that oscillates between dance and collapse. These depictions are not only artistic interpretations, but also symbols of the uncertainties and conflicts of the Reagan era, which was characterised by social inequality and the threat of the Cold War. By emphasising body language, Longo succeeds in expressing universal human experiences such as fear, hope and resistance beyond their historical context.
© Robert Longo / Image rights, Vienna 2024, Photo: Robert Longo Studio
A play with light and shadow
Longo’s style is characterised by his mastery of charcoal and graphite, which he uses to set the scene for light and shadow. His hyper-realistic works such as Raft at Sea lend everyday scenes a theatrical intensity. The black of the charcoal absorbs the light and at the same time creates the illusion of lustre and transparency. Longo’s technique of working from light to dark allows him to build up layers of meaning that encourage the viewer to reflect on the subjects depicted. Particularly impressive is how he uses light as a dynamic element to heighten emotions and draw attention to key details.
© Robert Longo / Bildrecht, Vienna 2024, Photo: Robert Longo Studio
Art as a mirror of society
Contemporary themes such as refugee crises or environmental destruction are just as much a part of Longo’s works as historical references. By combining pop-cultural symbols with classical art, as in the reference to Géricault’s Raft of the Medusa, it becomes clear that history and human challenges repeat themselves. His works illustrate how art can serve as an instrument for critically analysing social developments and their effects. Viewers are thus given the opportunity to scrutinise their own role in these processes and adopt new perspectives.
Data
| Original title | Robert Longo |
| Editor | Elsy Lahner, Klaus Albrecht Schröder |
| Author | I. Graw, E. Lahner, H. Liebs, C. Sherman |
| Publisher | Hirmer Verlag |
| Cover | Hardcover |
| Pages | 208 pages, 90 illustrations in colour |
| Language | English |
| Dimensions | 29 x 39.5 cm |
| ISBN | 978-3-7774-4383-6 |
| Price | 49,90 € |
Further information
Further information on the book “Robert Longo” (advertising) can be found on the Hirmer Verlag website.
Compliance
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