Robert Longo

ROBERT LONGO (New York, 1953).
S/t, Mnemonic pictures, 1995.
Photo etchings on Velum paper (x24). Copy XI/XV of the first edition.
With author's box.
Measurements: 20,5 x 25,5 cm (photographs, x24): 4 x 29,5 x 23 cm (box).
Mnemonic pictures is a set of 24 photogravures characterized by raw black and white images that draw attention to these subjects, often depicting scenes of war, protest movements and social problems. The term "mnemonic" suggests that the images are designed to evoke specific memories and associations, prompting reflection on the realities they depict.

Robert Longo grew up fascinated by the mass media: television, magazines, cinema, comics, form the core of his creative style, are his continuous sources of inspiration. He initially studied at the University of North Texas, but soon abandoned formal studies. He later studied sculpture with Leonda Finke, who recognized his artistic potential. In 1972 he graduated from the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Italy. After returning to the United States, he completed his artistic training at Buffalo State College in 1975. During the early years of his artistic career he would associate with artist Cindy Sherman, also trained at Buffalo State College. Throughout his career, Longo has worked in multiple formats and techniques: graphics, photography, sculpture... He has also directed music videos and even episodes of television series. Longo has had exhibitions in important museums and international institutions: at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago, the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain in Nice or the Museu Colecçao Berardo in Lisbon. He has participated in fairs and biennials such as Documenta, the Whitney Biennial and the Venice Biennial.