Date of Birth: November 18, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: July 7, 2008
Biography
Bruce Conner was an American artist renowned for his groundbreaking work in various mediums, including sculpture, assemblage, painting, drawing, film, and photography. Born in McPherson, Kansas, Conner moved to San Francisco in the late 1950s, where he became a pivotal figure in the Beat Generation art scene. His early assemblage sculptures made from found objects earned him critical acclaim and established his reputation as a pioneering artist. Conner’s work often explored themes of transformation, decay, and the ephemeral nature of life. He was also a pioneer in experimental filmmaking, creating influential short films like *A Movie* (1958) and *Crossroads* (1976). His work has been exhibited in major museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
5 Interesting Facts about Bruce Conner
1. Bruce Conner’s assemblage sculptures often included materials like broken dolls, fur, costume jewelry, and candles.
2. His film *A Movie* (1958) is regarded as one of the most influential experimental films of the 20th century.
3. Conner was a founding member of the Rat Bastard Protective Association, a group of San Francisco artists in the 1950s.
4. He was known for his reclusiveness and often avoided interviews and public appearances.
5. Conner’s work has been the subject of numerous retrospectives, including a comprehensive exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2016.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bruce Conner
1. “I wanted to make something that was not just a picture on the wall but something that had a life of its own.”
2. “Art is a way of recognizing oneself.”
3. “Every piece of art is a self-portrait.”
4. “I don’t believe in the idea of a masterpiece. I believe that we are all continuously creating.”
5. “The artist’s job is to be a witness to his time in history.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
While specific figures regarding Bruce Conner’s net worth at the peak of his career are not readily available, his artworks have been highly valued in art markets, with individual pieces selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Children
Bruce Conner and his wife, Jean Conner, had one son named Robert Conner.
Relevant Links
1. [Museum of Modern Art – Bruce Conner](https://www.moma.org/artists/1286
2. [San Francisco Museum of Modern Art – Bruce Conner](https://www.sfmoma.org/artist/Bruce_Conner
3. [Bruce Conner at the Whitney Museum](https://whitney.org/exhibitions/bruce-conner
4. [Artforum – Bruce Conner Obituary](https://www.artforum.com/news/bruce-conner-1933-2008-20810
5. [The New York Times – Bruce Conner](https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/arts/design/09conner.html