Robert Longo, born in 1953 in Brooklyn, New York, is an American artist renowned for his large-scale, hyper-realistic charcoal drawings. His work explores themes of power, alienation, and contemporary culture, often blurring the lines between various media. Longo rose to prominence in the 1980s as a key figure of the "Pictures Generation," a group of artists who critically examined mass media imagery.

Longo's most iconic series, "Men in the Cities" (1979-1983), features sharply dressed figures in contorted poses, capturing a sense of urban anxiety and energy. Throughout his career, he has consistently engaged with socio-political issues, transforming powerful imagery from news and popular culture into monumental works of art.

His pieces incorporate elements of drawing, photography, painting, and sculpture, and are held in numerous prestigious collections worldwide. Longo's work continues to challenge viewers' perceptions and provoke thought on contemporary issues.