Richard Artschwager

The American painter and sculptor, born in Washington in 1923 and passing away in Albany in 2013, was known for his work within the minimalist and conceptual art movements. His artistic practice focused on transforming everyday objects through sculpture, presenting them in increasingly abstract and ambiguous forms. His works often referenced the legacy of Marcel Duchamp, particularly in his exploration of ordinary objects and their reinterpretation. He experimented with materials like wood and synthetic substances, pushing the boundaries of what could be considered art. In addition to his sculptural works, he created large monochromatic paintings, depicting interiors and landscapes in a simplified, almost stark manner. Some of his notable works include “Table and Chair” (1963), “Splatter Table” (1992), and “Step to Entropy” (2003), which reflect his ongoing engagement with the themes of abstraction, minimalism, and the reinterpretation of everyday life.