Men in the City (1979-1982) belong to a series of photographs that features large-scale charcoal drawings of sharply dressed men and women in business attire. These figures are portrayed in exaggerated poses that convey a sense of suspended animation, appearing caught mid-movement and contorted as if responding to an unseen force, evoking both grace and tension.

Longo’s work often reflects themes of urban life, corporate power and societal expectations, showcasing figures that seem to struggle, dance or collapse under pressure. This ambiguity raises questions about whether the characters are in control of their actions or overwhelmed by external forces, mirroring the anxieties and alienation prevalent in modern life, particularly within a capitalist framework. To create the Men in the City series, Longo photographed friends posing dramatically on rooftops, often

influenced by loud music or thrown objects. He then meticulously translated these photographs into charcoal drawings. The stark black-and-white contrast, along with the detailed clothing and abstract backgrounds, enhances the dramatic impact of each piece.

This work serves as a visual metaphor for the challenges of ambition, conformity and the psychological tolls of urban environments. The figures are depicted as both elegant and distressed, symbolizing the duality of success and the burdens it can impose. This series solidified Robert Longo’s status as a leading artist of his time, merging fine art with pop culture and social commentary.

Longo is renowned for his photorealistic drawings that vividly capture dynamic figures, including jumping humans, sharks, tigers and guns.