The Shifting Canvas: Navigating “Americanness” in Contemporary Art

As Robert Longo prepares for a major exhibition in Denmark, the very definition of an “American” artist is being re-examined, revealing a complex tapestry of identity, influence, and evolving national narratives.

The anticipation surrounding any major exhibition by a significant artist is always palpable. For Robert Longo, a figure whose monumental charcoal drawings have long captured the zeitgeist of American experience – from the stark realities of urban life to the often-unseen forces shaping our cultural landscape – the upcoming show in Denmark carries a particular weight. According to a recent report, Longo himself admitted to feeling “a little nervous” about this international debut. This sentiment, while seemingly a personal pre-show jitto, hints at a much broader and more profound question currently resonating within the art world: What does it truly mean to be a ‘very American’ artist now?

The notion of national identity in art is, by its very nature, fluid and susceptible to the currents of history, politics, and cultural exchange. For generations, American artists have been defined by their engagement with themes uniquely tied to the United States: the vastness of its landscape, the complexities of its social fabric, its democratic ideals, its contradictions, and its global influence. Yet, in an increasingly interconnected world, where borders blur and cultural influences are omnipresent, the traditional markers of “Americanness” in art are being challenged, reinterpreted, and perhaps even transcended. Longo’s apprehension, therefore, might not just be about the reception of his work in a foreign land, but about how his distinctly American artistic voice will be understood and contextualized in a global dialogue.

This article delves into the evolving understanding of what constitutes an “American” artist in the contemporary era. We will explore the historical underpinnings of this concept, examine how globalization and shifting demographics are reshaping artistic practice, and consider the challenges and opportunities this presents for artists like Robert Longo and the broader art world.

Context & Background

For much of the 20th century, American art carved out a distinct and dominant position on the global stage. Movements like Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and Minimalism, born from the unique socio-economic and cultural milieu of the United States, not only defined a national artistic identity but also exerted a profound influence worldwide. Artists like Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Jasper Johns became synonymous with American ingenuity, rebellion, and a particular brand of visual vernacular.

The post-war era saw New York emerge as the undisputed center of the art world, solidifying the perception of American art as a leading force. This dominance was fueled by a combination of factors: economic prosperity, a burgeoning consumer culture, and a conscious effort by institutions and critics to champion American artistic output. The narratives often associated with this period emphasized individualism, innovation, and a direct engagement with the American experience – whether it was the existential angst of Abstract Expressionism or the critique of mass culture in Pop Art.

However, the seeds of change were sown long before the turn of the millennium. The Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the burgeoning counterculture all began to interrogate and complicate the singular, often monolithic, narrative of American identity. Artists from marginalized communities started to assert their voices, bringing forth perspectives that challenged the prevailing norms and broadened the definition of what “American” could encompass. Think of the groundbreaking work of artists like Faith Ringgold, whose quilts offered powerful counter-narratives to mainstream historical accounts, or Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose visceral exploration of race, class, and identity in urban America resonated with a raw, untamed energy.

By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, globalization had accelerated these shifts. The internet and increased international travel made cultural exchange more immediate and pervasive. Artists were no longer confined to their immediate geographical or cultural contexts. They could draw inspiration from global traditions, collaborate across borders, and engage with issues that transcended national boundaries. This era witnessed the rise of identity politics becoming a central theme in art, with artists exploring their heritage, gender, sexuality, and ethnic backgrounds as core components of their artistic practice.

Robert Longo’s own career trajectory mirrors some of these broader shifts. Emerging in the late 1970s and early 1980s as part of the “Pictures Generation,” Longo’s work, particularly his iconic charcoal drawings like the “Men in the Cities” series, captured a certain cool, detached, yet intensely observed modern sensibility. His use of appropriated imagery from film, television, and mass media reflected an engagement with the pervasive visual culture of America. These works, while undeniably rooted in American visual language, also touched upon universal themes of power, alienation, and the human condition, foreshadowing a more globalized artistic discourse.

Longo’s nervousness in Denmark, therefore, can be seen as a reflection of this complex legacy. How does an artist whose work has been so deeply intertwined with the American visual lexicon navigate an international audience in a world where national identities are increasingly nuanced and interconnected? Is “Americanness” a purely thematic concern, a stylistic tendency, or something more intrinsic to the artist’s lived experience and cultural formation?

In-Depth Analysis

The question of what makes an artist “American” today is no longer a simple matter of subject matter or geographical origin. It’s a multifaceted interplay of influences, identities, and the artist’s unique position within the globalized art ecosystem. Several key factors are contributing to this evolving understanding:

The Blurring of National Boundaries

In the digital age, cultural osmosis is constant and immediate. An artist in Brooklyn can be influenced by a K-Pop band from Seoul, a filmmaker from Tehran, or a literary tradition from Lagos. This cross-pollination means that even artists who are deeply rooted in American culture often absorb and integrate global influences into their practice. Conversely, artists working outside the U.S. may find themselves engaging with American themes or aesthetics, not as imitators, but as critical commentators or collaborators. This creates a landscape where “American” art might be produced by artists who are not American by birth or citizenship, and conversely, artists born in America may produce work that feels universally resonant or even detached from overt nationalistic markers.

The Rise of Diverse Voices and Identity Politics

The art world has made significant strides, though still incomplete, in acknowledging and amplifying voices that were historically marginalized. Artists who identify as LGBTQ+, people of color, immigrants, or those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds are increasingly central to the discourse. For these artists, “Americanness” itself becomes a site of exploration, critique, and redefinition. Their work might interrogate the historical injustices embedded in the American narrative, celebrate the resilience and richness of their specific cultural heritage within the American context, or offer hybrid identities that defy easy categorization. This challenges a singular, often white, male-centric understanding of American artistic identity.

Consider how artists like Kara Walker, through her silhouetted narratives, deconstructs American history and its legacy of racism with unflinching honesty. Or how immigrants like Wangechi Mutu, who works in the U.S. but is Kenyan by birth, integrate their heritage and experiences of displacement into a potent critique of global power structures and Western perspectives on Africa. Their “Americanness” is not defined by a simple embrace of national symbols, but by their active participation and critical engagement within the American cultural sphere.

The Role of the Global Art Market and Institutions

The international art market and the institutions that shape it – major museums, galleries, biennials, and art fairs – play a significant role in how artists are perceived and categorized. While these entities often strive for global inclusivity, they can also inadvertently perpetuate certain narratives or hierarchies. An artist’s success in the global market can lead to their work being pigeonholed or marketed in ways that may or may not align with their own intentions. For an American artist showing abroad, there’s the potential for their work to be seen through a lens of exoticism, historical curiosity, or as representative of a particular “American style” that may be outdated or overly simplistic.

The Nature of Longo’s Work in a Global Context

Robert Longo’s meticulous, often monumental, charcoal drawings, characterized by their stark black and white palette and their engagement with mass media imagery, occupy a unique space. His “Men in the Cities” series, for instance, tapped into a specific cultural moment of the late 70s and early 80s, but its themes of power dynamics, surveillance, and the stylized presentation of the human form continue to resonate. His more recent works, such as his monumental series responding to the attacks of September 11th or his explorations of natural disasters, engage with profound human experiences that transcend national borders.

When Longo exhibits in Denmark, viewers might interpret his work through the lens of American history and culture, recognizing the specific references or the cultural context from which they emerged. However, they will also likely respond to the universal themes of power, vulnerability, destruction, and resilience that his art explores. The challenge for Longo, and indeed for many contemporary American artists, is to create work that is both deeply rooted in their personal and cultural experience while also possessing a universal appeal that speaks to a global audience. His nervousness might stem from the fear that the specificities of his American context might overshadow the universal human drama he captures, or conversely, that his work might be stripped of its cultural specificity and thus its deeper resonance.

Pros and Cons

The evolving understanding of what it means to be an “American” artist presents both opportunities and challenges:

Pros:

• Broadened Definition of “American”: The inclusion of diverse voices and experiences enriches the definition of American art, making it more representative and relevant to a wider audience.
• Global Dialogue and Collaboration: The interconnectedness of the art world fosters greater cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, leading to innovative artistic practices.
• Critical Engagement with National Identity: Artists are empowered to critically examine and re-evaluate American identity, challenging established narratives and offering new perspectives.
• Universality of Themes: By engaging with universal human experiences, American artists can create work that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide, transcending cultural specificities.
• Innovation and Experimentation: The pressure to define “Americanness” in new ways can spur artistic innovation and encourage artists to experiment with form, content, and context.

Cons:

• Risk of Oversimplification or Stereotyping: International audiences may still rely on simplistic or outdated stereotypes of American culture, potentially misinterpreting or reducing the complexity of an artist’s work.
• Loss of Specific Cultural Nuance: In the pursuit of universal appeal, some of the specific cultural and historical context that gives American art its unique flavor might be diluted.
• Navigating Market Forces: The global art market can sometimes prioritize certain “American” aesthetics or themes, potentially influencing artists’ creative choices.
• The “Anxiety of Influence” on a Global Scale: For artists who are deeply rooted in American visual language, the challenge lies in distinguishing their work from a global influx of similar influences while still maintaining their distinct voice.
• Potential for Misinterpretation: The lack of shared cultural context can sometimes lead to misinterpretations of an artist’s intentions or the deeper meanings embedded in their work.

Key Takeaways

• The definition of an “American” artist is no longer solely tied to nationality or overt nationalistic themes, but is increasingly shaped by global influences, diverse identities, and critical engagement with national narratives.
• Globalization has blurred national boundaries in art, leading to a more interconnected and hybridized artistic landscape where cultural exchange is constant.
• The rise of identity politics has broadened the scope of “American” art to include a wider array of voices and experiences, challenging traditional definitions.
• Institutions and the global art market play a significant role in shaping how American artists are perceived and categorized internationally.
• Artists like Robert Longo face the challenge of balancing their unique cultural and artistic heritage with the need to connect with a diverse global audience.

Future Outlook

The trajectory of “Americanness” in art suggests a future where national identity will continue to be a complex and evolving construct. We can anticipate a further embrace of hybridity, with artists seamlessly weaving together global influences and personal narratives. The concept of “American art” might become less about a singular, monolithic identity and more about a constellation of diverse perspectives and experiences that are all, in some way, engaged with the American project – its ideals, its contradictions, and its ongoing evolution.

Artists will likely continue to grapple with the tension between specificity and universality. The most compelling work will probably be that which grounds itself in deeply felt personal or cultural experiences while simultaneously tapping into universal human concerns. This will require a sophisticated understanding of context, both for the artist and for the audience.

Furthermore, as the global art scene matures, there may be a greater appreciation for the nuanced ways in which artists engage with their national identities, moving beyond simplistic labels. The conversation will likely shift towards the unique contributions of artists to a shared global cultural dialogue, rather than solely focusing on their national origins.

For an artist like Robert Longo, this future offers the opportunity to be recognized not just as an American artist, but as a vital voice in the global conversation about humanity, power, and the visual world. His success will depend on his ability to continue creating work that is both formally rigorous and conceptually profound, resonating with audiences on multiple levels, regardless of their geographical or cultural background.

Call to Action

As audiences, critics, and curators, we must actively engage with the evolving nature of artistic identity. Instead of relying on outdated notions of nationality, let us approach art with an open mind, seeking to understand the complex web of influences and experiences that shape an artist’s practice. Seek out diverse voices, engage with critical discourse, and support artists who are pushing the boundaries of what it means to create art in our interconnected world.

For those interested in Robert Longo’s work, his upcoming exhibition in Denmark presents an excellent opportunity to witness firsthand how a significant American artist navigates these contemporary questions. Pay attention not only to the aesthetic qualities of his art but also to the cultural and historical underpinnings that inform his vision, and consider how these elements translate and resonate with an international audience. By doing so, we can all contribute to a richer and more nuanced understanding of art’s power to connect us across borders and cultures.