Remembering Richard Serra: Master of Steel and Shadows

By Elena Fontaine, France


The art world mourns the loss of Richard Serra, an iconic figure whose monumental sculptures and evocative etchings redefined our interaction with space and form. Serra, who passed away on 26 March 2024, leaves behind a legacy that transcends the confines of galleries and museums, inviting the public to engage with art in a profoundly physical way.

Born in San Francisco in 1938, Serra was a pioneering force in contemporary sculpture. His work, characterized by its massive scale and industrial materials, challenged viewers to experience art not just visually but through movement and perception. Serra's sculptures, often made from weathering steel, interact with their surroundings in a dynamic dialogue that shifts with the viewer's perspective.

One of Serra's most renowned public artworks, "Band" (2006), is a testament to his mastery of form and space. Installed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), "Band" is a 13-foot high ribbon of steel that loops and curves through the museum's space, creating a dialogue between the sculpture, the viewer, and the environment. Its presence at LACMA is emblematic of Serra's ability to transform spaces into immersive experiences.

Another notable work is Serra's installation at Dia:Beacon in the United States. Here, his massive steel structures engage with the industrial architecture of the museum, creating a series of experiences that are both introspective and expansive. These works exemplify Serra's interest in the physicality of space and the viewer's movement through it.