Artist and sculptor Richard Serra, who died yesterday at the age of 85, was known for his gravity-defying, site-specific works wrought from monumental slabs of steel. But he also had a robust painting and drawing practice. In fact, many of his abstract, two-dimensional works—which were painted using materials like black oil paint sticks and wax—are prominent features in the homes we’ve shown in our pages over the years. “Your life’s a nanosecond,” he once said. “If you have a contribution to make, then make it. Don’t bitch about it, just do it.” Swipe through to discover the work of this legendary artist.
Slide 1: In a Malibu home designed by Steven Gambrel, the large painting is by Serra. Photo by
@douglasfriedman .
Slide 2: In a New York apartment designed by David Netto, the large painting behind the sofa is a work by Serra. Photo by
@francescolagnese .
Slide 3: In the Montreal home of identical twins Byron and Dexter Peart, the painting behind the vintage table is by Serra.
@maximebrouillet .
Slide 4: The artist alongside one of his works in Paris in 2008. Photo by Raphael GAILLARDE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images.