Robert Longo: The Acceleration of History at the Milwaukee Art Museum
Currently on display at the Milwaukee Art Museum is the captivating exhibition Robert Longo: The Acceleration of History, showcasing the remarkable hyperrealistic charcoal drawings of renowned artist Robert Longo.
Throughout his illustrious career, Longo has delved into the profound impact of images on our perception of the world. Rising to prominence in the 1970s as part of the Pictures Generation, he has since become celebrated for his charcoal drawings that explore the construction of symbols of power, ranging from depictions of animals and nature to global conflicts and protest movements. Longo meticulously creates these works on a monumental scale to emphasize the act of observation and to, in his own words, “slow down the image storm.”
The exhibition at the Milwaukee Art Museum showcases nearly 40 drawings, sculptures, and videos produced by Longo since 2014, when he introduced a new body of work that redefined his artistic approach. Known as The Destroyer Cycle, this series features portrayals of war, immigration, and climate change. While inspired by images from various media sources, Longo’s drawings are not mere replicas. Instead, he combines elements from multiple sources along with art historical references to create what he considers to be “a perfect image.”
These works exude an unprecedented urgency, reflecting Longo’s ability to capture the tumultuous political and social climate of today. The exhibition also includes sculptures, videos, and drawings from the Hungry Ghosts and Gang of Cosmos series, all of which underscore the artist’s profound examination of images central to his practice, showcasing Robert Longo as a pivotal commentator of our era.
Attendees can look forward to upcoming events tied to the exhibition, offering numerous opportunities to engage with the artist and gain insights into his work. On Thursday, November 21, the Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee will screen Johnny Mnemonic, a 1995 film directed by Longo, followed by a discussion with the artist and Academy Award-winning director John Ridley. Additionally, on Thursday, February 20, Longo will participate in an Expert Series panel discussion on history painting at the Milwaukee Art Museum.
For more details about the exhibition and associated programs, please visit mam.org.
