Richard Serra

Richard Serra, born in San Francisco in 1939, is an eminent American sculptor who is best known for his large-scale, minimalist steel sculptures. Serra initially studied English literature and graduated in 1961. He then turned to art and completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in fine art by 1964. During this time, he studied under the renowned Bauhaus artist Josef Albers, whose influence had a decisive impact on Serra's understanding of material, form and space as well as his interest in minimalism and reduction. During this phase, Serra also made contact with artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, Ad Reinhardt and Frank Stella. In the 1960s, Serra began experimenting with industrial materials and created monumental sculptures that were often installed in public spaces.
In addition to his sculptural works, Richard Serra is also known for his works on paper. Since the 1970s, he has created numerous drawings, prints and collages, which can be regarded as independent works of art, but at the same time are usually in close dialogue with his sculptures. In these works, Serra often uses black oil pastels, which he applies in layers and with special printing techniques to create dense, textured black surfaces. These works have a sculptural effect and offer a deep insight into Serra's intensive exploration of materiality, form and space.
Until his later years, Serra produced impressive works that were exhibited in renowned museums and public spaces worldwide and also received numerous awards and honours. Serra's work has had a major influence on contemporary art. The artist died in New York in 2024 at the age of 85.