(after) Robert Longo

Gretchen

1985

A vintage offset-lithograph exhibition poster after American artist Robert Longo (1953-) titled "Gretchen", 1985. Edition size unknown, presumed very small. This poster was produced for an exhibition of Longo's work, April 10th - May 10th 1985, at Allport Gallery 126 Post Street in San Francisco, CA. The poster features Longo's 1984, 68" x 39", lithograph "Gretchen" published by Brooke Alexander, New York City. Sheet size: 42" x 28". Excellent condition. Extremely rare.

Robert Longo’s “Men in Cities” series, featuring well-dressed individuals in a variety of contorted poses, constitutes an instantly-recognizable and longstanding body of work now synonymous with the artist’s name. Set on the rooftop of Longo’s apartment building, these images capture figures as they duck and dive from flying objects launched by the artist. Authentically frantic and reactionary, the works reveal unexpected moments of bodily grace.

Robert Longo (born January 7, 1953) is an American painter and sculptor. Longo became a rising star in the 1980s for his "Men in the Cities" series, which depicted sharply dressed men and women writhing in contorted emotion.

Robert Longo was born in 1953 in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Long Island. He had a childhood fascination with mass media: movies, television, magazines, and comic books, which continue to influence his art.

Longo began college at the University of North Texas, in the town of Denton, but left before getting a degree. He later studied sculpture under Leonda Finke, who encouraged him to pursue a career in the visual arts. In 1972, Longo received a grant to study at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Italy. Upon his return to New York, Longo enrolled at Buffalo State College, where he received a BFA in 1975. While at Buffalo State, he studied under, and was likely influenced by art professor Joseph Piccillo. At this time he was associated with artist Cindy Sherman, who was also studying art at Buffalo State.

While in college, Longo and his friends established an avant garde art gallery in their co-op building, the Essex Art Center, which was originally a converted ice factory; the gallery became Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center. Through his gallery efforts, Longo met many local and New York City artists. Longo eventually moved to New York City to join the underground art scene of the 1970s.