Robert Hughes (July 28, 1938 – August 6, 2012) was an Australian-born art critic, writer, and documentary filmmaker. He served as the art critic for Time magazine from 1971 to 2001, known for his sharp, passionate, and insightful commentary. Hughes authored influential books such as 'The Shock of the New,' which explored modern art history. His work often intertwined art with social and political contexts, making him one of the most prominent art critics of the 20th century.