My “Men in the Cities” works are an important part of my history. They have become iconic symbols from a time of urban uniforms and Film Noir attire. Their movements are a cross between Punk Rock dancing and the way characters die in movies.
Robert Longo
Limited edition of 127370.0 (H) × 43.5 (W) cm
Artwork
Sold out
Love this work?
Subscribe to get notified about any cancellations and early access on next releases.
Punk rock dance meets film noir violence, in Robert Longo's snapshot of 80s New York.
Untitled (Eric) revisits an iconic series that has spawned countless pop culture copycats. In the late 70s and early 80s, "Men in the Cities" took the art world by storm. The images of contorted bodies, suspended between pain and pleasure, became emblematic of the Pictures Generation and marked a new era in image-making.
The transposition of medium is central to the artist's practice. Robert constructs his drawings with layer upon layer of black graphite, working his way from light to dark to give new meaning to his original photographs. Similarly, the intricate process behind the print edition involves layers of grayscale separation. This high level of fidelity with the image, unique to silkscreen, results in a floating effect and hyperreal grain texture.
Framing
Prints can be ordered float-mounted in one of two framing options.Medium
11 colour silkscreen on 410gsm Somerset Tub Sized Satin Radiant White paper with matte varnish seal.Edition size
1273Authentication
Individually signed, dated and numbered by the artist.Certificate of Authenticity
Arrives with a certificate of authenticity.Release date
April 30, 2025We ship framed and unframed prints flat in bespoke boxes. You'll find gloves and handling instructions inside. If you order more than one unframed print, your artworks may be shipped in the same box.
Payment
Pay with bank card, crypto, Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you wish you to use an alternative payment method, get in touch.
Policies
This artwork is protected by a resale agreement, which all collectors will need to sign before placing an order. More details in our FAQs
Robert Longo3 collaborationsRobert Longo’s drawings bring us closer to the images that haunt our collective unconscious. Ironically, his ‘Men in the Cities’ (1979-1983) series has achieved exactly that. The images of contorted bodies in "urban uniforms and Film Noir attire" have ricocheted through culture for decades, finding unsettling parallels in reality. At the core of Robert’s practice is an inquiry into how images become symbols – taking on political, cultural, and metaphysical significance in the social imaginary. Each series interrogates a specific theme or visual motif, such as waves crashing (Monsters, 2000-2021), places of worship (God Machines, 2009-2011), and the American flag (Protocol Verso, 2011-2018).
Reviews from Avant collectors
Discover more print editions on Avant Arte
Available
Available
Draw
Draw