Remembering Richard Serra: A world-renowned ‘poet’ of metals through photos

Renowned artist Richard Serra passed away at the age of 85 at his home on Long Island. He was known for creating large-scale metal sculptures that were both ambitious and precise, changing the way people experienced art. Sarah Roberts, the head of painting and sculpture at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, praised Serra for his visionary work.

Born in San Francisco in 1938, Serra grew up watching steel tankers at the shipyard where his father worked. He later worked in steel mills to fund his college education in California before studying fine art at Yale. In the 1960s, he moved to New York and began creating art using industrial materials, with a focus on metal. Serra’s background in steel mills influenced his artistic vision and approach to creating monumental sculptures.

In an interview with NPR in 1986, Serra reflected on his upbringing in the steel industry, stating that it had a lasting impact on his artistic career. Throughout his life, Serra remained dedicated to pushing the boundaries of art and exploring the possibilities of working with metal. His legacy as an artist will continue to inspire future generations.