Date of Birth: December 26, 1923
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: February 9, 2013
Biography
Richard Artschwager was an American artist renowned for his diverse and innovative works that spanned various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and installation art. Born in Washington, D.C., Artschwager’s career was marked by his ability to fuse elements of Minimalism, Pop Art, and Conceptual Art, creating works that challenged traditional perceptions of art and space. Artschwager initially studied science at Cornell University but his education was interrupted by World War II. After serving in the military, he completed his degree and eventually shifted his focus to art. He worked as a furniture maker for several years, a trade that significantly influenced his artistic practice, particularly in his use of industrial materials such as Formica and Celotex. His breakthrough came in the 1960s when he began to gain recognition for his unique approach to art. Artschwager’s work often explored themes of perception and the everyday, using common materials in uncommon ways to provoke thought and dialogue. His “blps”—small, lozenge-shaped marks—became a signature element, scattered in various public spaces to draw attention to the act of looking. Artschwager’s work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, solidifying his place as a significant figure in contemporary art.
5 Interesting Facts about Richard Artschwager
1. Richard Artschwager served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he was deployed to Europe.
2. He initially pursued a career in science, studying at Cornell University before shifting his focus to art.
3. Artschwager’s early work as a furniture maker deeply influenced his approach to art, particularly his use of industrial materials.
4. His “blps” are among his most famous creations, designed to make viewers aware of their surroundings and the act of perception.
5. Artschwager was awarded the prestigious Skowhegan Medal for Sculpture in 1990.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Artschwager
1. “Art is the experience, not the object.”
2. “Good art should elicit a response of ‘Huh? Wow!’ as opposed to ‘Wow! Huh?’”
3. “I like art that points to something—an idea, a statement, an observation—but does so with a bit of mystery.”
4. “My work is a combination of seeing and not seeing, of being and not being.”
5. “The blps are like a visual virus; they infect the space they inhabit.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, Richard Artschwager’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Richard Artschwager had two children, Clara Jo Artschwager and Augusta Artschwager Kayser.
Relevant Links
2. [Richard Artschwager – Artnet](http://www.artnet.com/artists/richard-artschwager/
3. [Richard Artschwager – Whitney Museum](https://whitney.org/artists/48
4. [Richard Artschwager – MoMA](https://www.moma.org/artists/259
