The art world mourns the loss of Richard Serra, an uncompromising figure in American abstract sculpture, who died at the age of 85. Known for his colossal rusting steel structures that redefine the environments they inhabit, Serra's influential work has left an indelible mark on contemporary art. The Californian artist passed away from pneumonia at his New York home, as confirmed by his lawyer John Silberman.
Serra's monumental creations, like the 1,034-tonne series "The Matter of Time" at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, demonstrate his groundbreaking approach to sculpture. His works are not just to be seen but experienced, often evoking a visceral reaction from viewers. "I’m working at the edge of what’s possible," Serra once remarked, capturing the ambitious spirit of his art.
Born in San Francisco in 1939 to a mixed heritage family, Serra's early exposure to the shipyards and his mother's encouragement to pursue art shaped his creative path. His academic journey at Yale, alongside notable contemporaries like Chuck Close, was as dynamic as his professional career, marked by a memorable prank involving Robert Rauschenberg and a live chicken.
Richard Serra, Matter of Time, Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, credit: Ertly via Wikipedia
A pivotal trip to Paris and Spain in his early years expanded Serra's artistic vision, leading him from a phase of "total confusion" to a revolutionary focus on sculpture. His belief in the viewer as an integral part of the artwork redefined the subject-object relationship in art. Serra's New York years in the 1960s saw him experimenting with unconventional materials, contributing to his evolution as an artist and culminating in significant works that challenged spatial perceptions.
The controversy surrounding his urban sculptures, particularly "Tilted Arc" in Manhattan, underscores the polarizing nature of Serra's work and his fierce advocacy for artistic integrity. Despite the initial backlash, public perception shifted over time, with installations like "Fulcrum" in London gaining widespread acclaim. His later works, especially the "Torqued Ellipses" and "The Matter of Time," cemented his legacy as a pioneer of modern sculpture.
Serra, who was married to art historian Clara Weyergraf since 1981, continued to push the boundaries of his medium into his 80s, maintaining his status as one of the most significant sculptors of our time. His dedication to the physicality of sculpture stood in stark contrast to the intangible nature of the digital age, underscoring his unique position in the art world.
Jean Dubreil