Michael Richards (sculptor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Richards
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Michael Rolando Richards
August 2, 1963 New York City, US
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| Died | September 11, 2001 (aged 38) New York City, US
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| Alma mater | MFA New York University, BFA Queens College |
Michael Rolando Richards (born August 2, 1963 – died September 11, 2001) was an African-American sculptor. He had family roots in Jamaica and Costa Rica. Michael Richards was known for his art that explored African-American history and identity. He created sculptures, conceptual art, and installations. Sadly, he passed away during the September 11 attacks in his art studio. His studio was on the 92nd Floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower.
Early life and education
Michael Richards was born in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Kingston, Jamaica. He finished Excelsior High School with high marks. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Queens College. He also received a Master of Arts degree from New York University.
Artistic career and themes
Richards was an African-American sculptor. His art often looked at African-American history and identity. He made sculptures, conceptual art (art based on ideas), and installation pieces (art set up in a space). He was inspired by the Black Arts Movement of the 1970s. This movement was a time when Black artists explored their heritage. Richards used images from African-American history and stories. He wanted to show different sides of American society. Most of his sculptures were made from bronze.
In 1996, Richards was an artist-in-residence at the Studio Museum in Harlem. This means he worked and created art there for a period. His art was shown there in 1999. Richards also received several special grants called fellowships. These fellowships helped him create his art. In 2000, he got the Franconia Sculpture Park / Jerome Fellowship. During this time, he created his famous sculpture called "Are You Down." He also received a studio residency from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. This fellowship gave him his special "Studio in the Sky" in the World Trade Center.
Notable artworks
Richards's first major artwork was Are You Down. It is located in Franconia, Minnesota, at Franconia Sculpture Park. This park helps artists by giving them places to live and work. Are You Down shows three sculptures of Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen were brave African-American pilots who fought in World War II.
A writer named Glenn Gordon described the artwork. He said it showed three figures who looked like parachutists. They seemed to have fallen from the sky. They sat on the ground, looking sad. Their heads wore leather aviator helmets. Their shirts were torn. These figures represented the Tuskegee Airmen. Richards often used images of these pilots in his work. He even used himself as a model for them. The artwork suggests that dreams of freedom can sometimes be difficult to achieve.
The original Are You Down was made from fiberglass. In 2012, it was remade in bronze. This was done to create a lasting memorial to Richards and his art. It is now the only permanent sculpture at Franconia Sculpture Park.
Another important sculpture by Richards was his 1999 work, Tar Baby vs. St. Sebastian. This sculpture was part of his "Tuskegee Airmen Collection." He spent over ten years creating this collection. In this artwork, a Tuskegee Airman is shown like St. Sebastian. St. Sebastian was an early Christian saint known for his strength. He was shot with arrows but survived for a time. In Richards's sculpture, the Tuskegee Airman is pierced by many airplanes.
Tar Baby vs. St. Sebastian is seven feet tall. It is made from resin and steel. Richards actually made a mold of his own body to create this sculpture and others. Today, Tar Baby vs. St. Sebastian is at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, North Carolina.
In 2021, the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami held a special exhibition. It was called "Michael Richards: Are You Down?" This show looked back at his entire career. It opened around the 20th anniversary of the World Trade Center attack.
Legacy
Michael Richards passed away on September 11, 2001. He was in his art studio on the 92nd Floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower during the attack. After his death, the Michael Richards Fund was created. This fund helps support artists who have Caribbean backgrounds.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Richards (escultor) para niños
