Richard Howard Hunt, the world-renowned sculptor who had formed strong ties to Southwest Michigan through his studio in the Benton Harbor Arts District, passed away Saturday. He was 88.
According to a statement posted to his website, Hunt died peacefully at his home in Chicago. A celebration of his life will be held in Spring of 2024.
Over his 70-year career, the Chicago native was recognized as one of the most successful metal sculptors in the world, with well over 100 sculptures placed throughout the country.
In 1995, Hunt opened his satellite studio at 258 Territorial Road in Benton Harbor. Indicative of his strong ties to Southwest Michigan, his works are displayed in St. Joseph, including the soaring And You, Seas overlooking the St. Joseph River Channel and Rising Crossing Tides in front of Krasl.
Earlier this year, the influential artist announced preparations to move operations away from his Benton Harbor satellite studio and he gifted the 20,000 square foot building to the community via the Krasl Art Center.
The full statement from Mr. Hunt’s website:
It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Richard Howard Hunt, who died peacefully on Saturday 16 December 2023, aged 88, at his home in Chicago.
In the pantheon of 20th-century sculptors, Richard stood as one of the preeminent masters.
At the core of his artistic and philosophical approach was a fundamental concern with freedom; of political and artistic freedom, as well as personal and universal freedom.
He said: ‘I am interested more than anything else in being a free person. To me, that means that I can make what I want to make, regardless of what anyone else thinks I should make.’
Employing an alchemist’s touch Richard created sculptures whose fluid, biomorphic forms emerged as if shaped directly from nature.
White Cube will work closely with the Richard Hunt Estate, led by Ken Merlau (Trustee of the Richard Hunt Trust), to promote and protect his art and legacy for future generations.
A celebration of Richard’s life, open to the public, will be held in Chicago in Spring 2024, with dates to be announced.
The gallery’s solo exhibition of the artist’s sculpture will continue as planned at White Cube New York in March 2024.
