Date of Birth: January 28, 1929
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: July 18, 2022
Biography
Claes Oldenburg was a prominent Swedish-American sculptor known for his public art installations that often feature large replicas of everyday objects. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Oldenburg moved to the United States in 1936. He studied at Yale University and later attended the Art Institute of Chicago. In the 1960s, Oldenburg emerged as a leading figure in the Pop Art movement. His playful and monumental sculptures, such as “Clothespin” in Philadelphia and “Spoonbridge and Cherry” in Minneapolis, have captivated audiences worldwide. His work often explores the intersection of commercialism, consumer culture, and art. Oldenburg frequently collaborated with his wife, Coosje van Bruggen, until her death in 2009.
5 Interesting Facts about Claes Oldenburg
1. Claes Oldenburg’s first major public installation was “Lipstick (Ascending) on Caterpillar Tracks” at Yale University in 1969.
2. Oldenburg often used soft materials for his early sculptures, creating “soft” versions of everyday objects like hamburgers and toilets.
3. He received the National Medal of Arts in 2000.
4. Oldenburg’s collaboration with Coosje van Bruggen resulted in over 40 large-scale projects worldwide.
5. He was a major influence on contemporary sculptors and artists, especially those involved in the Pop Art movement.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Claes Oldenburg
1. “I am for an art that grows up not knowing it is art at all.”
2. “Art is a technique of communication. The image is the most complete technique of all communication.”
3. “I like to work in a way that has a certain amount of uncertainty about what it is until it is finished.”
4. “I am for an art that embroils itself with the everyday crap and still comes out on top.”
5. “I am for an art that does something other than sit on its ass in a museum.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Claes Oldenburg was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Claes Oldenburg had two children with his first wife, Patty Mucha: a son, Paul, and a daughter, Kristine.
Relevant Links
1. [Claes Oldenburg – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claes_Oldenburg
2. [Claes Oldenburg – The Art Story](https://www.theartstory.org/artist/oldenburg-claes/
3. [Claes Oldenburg – MoMA](https://www.moma.org/artists/4387
4. [Claes Oldenburg – Tate](https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/claes-oldenburg-1694
5. [Claes Oldenburg – Artnet](http://www.artnet.com/artists/claes-oldenburg/