Robert Longo is best known for his “Men In The Cities” series. In these stark images, men and women contort themselves in various positions against a white background. Their business attire is vaguely indicative of status: they look as though they are bankers, lawyers or politicians. They appear cold and urbane, while their movements feel as if they are being wounded, or abused. We, the viewers, somehow do not seem to mind.

The figures of this series are iconic for Longo, and for the Pictures Generation of artists that he is associated with. They are cinematic, almost balletic. This makes sense, given Longo’s explorations as a director of feature films and music videos for bands such as R.E.M. and New Order. Over the years, Longo’s “Men In The City” images have been used to make silent statements in films like “American Psycho.” One of the prints Longo published with Brooke Alexander (Arena Brains, 1986) was chosen for the cover of Anthony Burgess’ book A Clockwork Orange. 

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Image: Robert Longo "Frank and Glen"