Robert Hughes

Robert Hughes was a renowned Australian art critic, writer, and broadcaster, best known for his work as the art critic for Time and his documentary series The Shock of the New. Born in Sydney, Australia, Hughes was educated at St Ignatius' College, Riverview and later studied art and architecture at the University of Sydney and University of New South Wales. He was heavily influenced by the works of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Francis Bacon, and his writing often reflected his interest in Modern art and Postmodern art. Hughes' early life was also shaped by his relationships with notable figures such as Germaine Greer and Clive James.

● Early Life and Education

Hughes' early life was marked by a strong interest in Art history and Architecture, which led him to study at the University of Sydney and later at the University of New South Wales. During his time at university, he was exposed to the works of Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, and Mies van der Rohe, which had a significant impact on his understanding of Modern architecture. Hughes was also influenced by the Australian art scene, particularly the works of Sidney Nolan and Arthur Boyd. His education was further enriched by his interactions with notable figures such as Patrick White and Christina Stead.

● Career

Hughes' career as an art critic began in the 1960s, when he started writing for The Spectator and The Observer. He later became the art critic for Time, a position that allowed him to showcase his expertise on Modern art and Contemporary art. Hughes was known for his insightful and often provocative reviews of exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art and the Tate Gallery. He was also a frequent contributor to The New York Review of Books and The Guardian, where he wrote about the works of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jasper Johns. Hughes' broadcasting career included the production of several documentary series, including The Shock of the New and American Visions, which explored the Art of the United States and the History of American art.

● Major Works

Hughes' most notable work is arguably The Shock of the New, a documentary series that explored the development of Modern art from the late 19th century to the 1980s. The series, which was accompanied by a book of the same name, featured interviews with prominent artists such as David Hockney and Chuck Close. Hughes also wrote The Fatal Shore, a historical account of the British colonization of Australia and the History of Australia. His other notable works include American Visions, a documentary series that explored the Art of the United States, and Goya, a biography of the Spanish artist Francisco Goya. Hughes' writing often reflected his interest in the works of Diego Velázquez, El Greco, and Pablo Picasso.

● Personal Life

Hughes was married to Diane Comini and later to Victoria Whistler, with whom he had a daughter, Danton Hughes. He was known for his charismatic personality and his love of Literature and Music. Hughes was a close friend of Martin Amis and Julian Barnes, and his social circle included notable figures such as Ian McEwan and Salman Rushdie. He was also an avid traveler and had a deep appreciation for the Culture of Italy and the Art of Italy, particularly the works of Caravaggio and Bernini.

● Legacy

Hughes' legacy as an art critic and writer is significant, and his work continues to be widely read and studied. He is remembered for his insightful and often provocative reviews, which helped to shape the public's understanding of Modern art and Contemporary art. Hughes' documentary series, such as The Shock of the New and American Visions, have been widely acclaimed and have helped to introduce a broad audience to the world of Art history. His writing has also been praised for its accessibility and its ability to make complex artistic concepts understandable to a wide range of readers. Hughes' influence can be seen in the work of Art critics such as Hal Foster and Jerry Saltz, and his legacy continues to be felt in the Art world.

● Criticism and Controversy

Hughes was not without his critics, and his writing often sparked controversy. Some critics accused him of being overly dismissive of Postmodern art and Conceptual art, and his reviews were often seen as provocative and confrontational. Hughes was also criticized for his views on Feminist art and the Women's art movement, which some saw as dismissive and sexist. Despite these criticisms, Hughes remains one of the most respected and widely read art critics of his generation, and his work continues to be studied and debated by Art historians and Cultural critics such as T.J. Clark and Gracie Mansion. His influence can be seen in the work of Museums such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art, and his legacy continues to shape the Art world and the Cultural landscape of the United States and Europe.