HERITAGE, 2006
Untitled (After H.B.)
2008
Graphite on paper
7-7/16 x 6-7/8 inches/18.9 x 17.5 cm
Well known for his series of large-scale drawings of crashing waves, atomic explosions, planets, sharks and views of Freud's consulting room, Longo has in recent years begun making intimately-scaled drawings of iconic artworks that have inspired or informed his own works. Typically no more than 4 × 6 inches, the works are drawn in graphite with astounding detail and are a radical shift in scale for the artist. Longo views these works as an art historical family tree – an homage to his ancestors and heroes. To date he has drawn works by Caravaggio, Brancusi, Rodin, Warhol, Bosch, Pollock, Hopper and Johns, among others. Each is an artwork in which Longo has found great inspiration.
