Richard Serra, Double Torqued Ellipse 2003-2004. Weathering steel: outer ellipse: 14′ x 37’5″ x 40′ (4.27 x 11.41 x 12.19 m); inner ellipse: 14′ x 20’4″ x 32′ (4.27 x 6.2 x 9.75 m); plate thickness: 2″ (5 cm). Image: Guggenheim Bilbao Museoa. © 2023 Richard Serra/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

The legacy of Richard Serra on modern sculpture and the impact of his monumental sculpture will resonate years after his death.  

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

NEW YORK, NY., – In the 1960s, New York was a vibrant art scene where several artists challenged norms and redefined sculpture. One of the most prominent among them was Richard Serra. The artist, who passed away on in March at the age of 85, stood out for his bold and innovative approach. Unlike his peers, who embraced minimalism and formalism, Serra’s work was raw and confrontational, pushing the boundaries of traditional sculpture to create monumental works that demanded attention and engaged viewers in dynamic interactions.

Born on November 2, 1938, in San Francisco, Richard Serra showed an early interest in art, particularly drawing. His fascination with matter and mass can be traced back to a childhood memory of watching a tanker being pushed out to sea, which left a lasting impression on him. However, Serra’s artistic journey took a significant turn when he moved to New York in 1966 and began working with Leo Castelli, a visionary gallerist. His early works, such as the drawing Verb List (1967), laid the foundation for his later explorations. The Verb List detailed ways in which raw material could be manipulated, reflecting Serra’s interest in creating sculpture that interacted with its environment.

Richard Serra: Tilted Arc Debacle

One of Serra’s most iconic works from this period is Tilted Arc (1981). Commissioned by General Service Administration (GSA), the large steel sculpture installed in New York’s Foley Federal Plaza. The sculpture was a 12-by-120-foot strip of rusty steel had a gentle curve and a wall that leans slightly. From its installation and gargantuan size, the sculpture challenged the public’s perception of public art and its relationship to the surrounding space. The response to the sculpture was immediate as people pushed back, directly confronting the presence of the disruptive public art.

Office workers who used the area saw the sculpture as unsettling, unattractive, an eyesore, and dangerous. The debate that ensued was intense. Office workers, accustomed to enjoying the free range of the square would not have it. They signed petitions to have the sculpture removed, demonstrating their disdain for it. To address the workers’ complaints, authorities held a trial to examine the pros and cons of the sculpture. Although, there was sympathy from art professionals for the work as unique, their effort was not enough to save it. After a three-day intense hearing, GSA sided with workers and favored the removal of Tilted Arc.

Richard Serra’s emotional response to the judgement was palpable. Livid and distraught, he decided to sue the government to keep the work in place because it was site specific. He contended that removing it would destroy it. With added emphasis, he vowed to leave the country if they dismantled the sculpture. After a lengthy hearing, Serra lost his lawsuit, and they dismantled Tilted Arc in March 1989. Serra, however, did not leave New York or the country. Despite the removal of the work following the public outcry, it remains a testament to Serra’s willingness to challenge conventions.

Monumental Works and Legacy

Throughout his career, Richard Serra continued to create monumental sculptures that defied traditional notions of sculpture. Works like the Torqued Ellipse series and his “Drawings,” thick black crayon masses encrusted on paper, showcased his mastery of form and material.

Richard Serra’s impact on the art world is undeniable. He received numerous accolades, including the Golden Lion at the 49th Venice Biennale in 2001. His work continues to inspire artists and provoke thought about the nature of sculpture and its role in society.

Tributes to Richard Serra

Since his passing, tributes and remembrances have flooded social media from dealers, curators, artists, and admirers alike. Sidney B. Felsen, co-founder of Gemini G.E.L., fondly recalls Serra as a giant, both in stature and impact. Working with him for over 52 years, Felsen admired Serra’s remarkable strength and kindness. He likening his presence to a powerful locomotive.

In his reflection on Serra’s passing, the art dealer Larry Gagosian highlighted the artist’s transformative influence on the definitions of sculpture and drawing. He credits Richard Serra with shifting the focus of art towards the viewer’s experience and placing humanity at the core of his creations.

Sociopolitical and Cultural Dialogues

Art dealer Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn shares her early encounter with Richard Serra in 1969. She describes his collaborative and risk-taking nature. Rohatyn noted that despite his fame, Serra remained engaged in sociopolitical and cultural dialogues, showing a deep intellect beyond his art.

In his view, artist Rico Gatson fondly remembers his time with Richard Serra. He described how he encouraged him to move to New York to pursue his art. Serra’s mentorship and generosity left a lasting impact on Gatson’s career and life.

Serra’s evolution as an artist, particularly his shift towards monumental sculptures in the late 1990s, was a major achievement, according to curator Lynne Cooke. She describes how his ability to evoke sublime experiences through his work has deeply resonated with audiences. Michelle White, senior curator at the Menil Collection seconds Cooke’s views. She reflects on co-curating a retrospective of Serra’s drawings. White praises his meticulous approach to art and his enduring relevance in the contemporary art world.

Anish Kapoor, another artist, laments Serra’s passing, describing him as uncompromising and rigorous. He describes him as a man with a vision that transcended mere objects, embodying poetic presence.

Impact on the Art World

These tributes and reflections underscore Richard Serra’s profound impact on the art world. His legacy will no doubt continue to inspire future generations of artists and art enthusiasts. While author Suzaan Boettger celebrates his intellectual depth, cultural strategist András Szántó praises Serra’s ability to combine monumentality with intimacy, a hallmark of his artistic vision.

In his tribute, Jamillah James, senior curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, recognizes Serra’s profound impact on contemporary sculpture and his enduring influence on artists worldwide. On his part, Nicholas Baume, artistic and executive director of the Public Art Fund, praises Serra’s ability to merge architectural scale with raw physical energy, showcasing a shift from traditional studio-based production to industrial fabrication on a grand scale.

Humberto Moro, deputy director of programs at the Dia Art Foundation, acknowledges Serra’s pivotal role in the foundation’s history, particularly at Dia Beacon. Serra’s Torqued Ellipses, a staple at Dia Beacon, offer visitors a transformative experience, challenging their perceptions of space and form.

Richard Serra’s legacy is not only in his monumental sculptures but also in his ability to evoke emotional and physical responses from viewers. His impact on modern sculpture is profound, shaping the way we perceive and interact with art. As the art world reflects on his contributions, Serra’s influence will continue to resonate for generations to come. His impact on the art world and contributions to shaping the discourse around contemporary sculpture will last for a long time.