Robert Graham (sculptor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Graham
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Graham in 1976
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| Born | August 19, 1938 Mexico City, Mexico
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| Died | December 27, 2008 (aged 70) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | San Jose State College San Francisco Art Institute |
| Known for | Sculpture |
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Notable work
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Olympic Gateway – Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California (1984); Joe Louis Memorial – Detroit, Michigan (1986) |
| Spouse(s) | Joey Graham (m. 1959; div. 19??) Anne Kresl (m. 19??; div. 19??) |
Robert Graham (born August 19, 1938 – died December 27, 2008) was a famous American sculptor. He was born in Mexico but lived most of his life in California. Graham was known for creating very large bronze statues of people. You can find his amazing sculptures in public places all over America.
Contents
Early Life and Art Training
Robert Graham was born in Mexico City, Mexico, on August 19, 1938. His father passed away when Robert was only six years old. After that, Robert, his mother Adelina, his grandmother, and his aunt moved to San Jose, California.
Robert Graham studied art at two important schools. He went to San José State University and later to the San Francisco Art Institute. He finished his art studies in 1964.
Graham's Art Career
By the late 1960s, Robert Graham's sculptures were becoming well-known. He had special art shows just for his work in many big cities. These cities included Los Angeles, New York City, London, and Cologne, Germany. For a while, he lived in London with his family before moving to Los Angeles in the early 1970s.
His first museum show was at the Dallas Museum of Art in 1972. Since then, he had many more solo shows. Some of these were at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Graham used different materials and sizes for his art. In the 1970s, he made tiny wax sculptures. These were about 4 inches (10 cm) tall. He placed them in small scenes, like people on a beach. Later, he created huge sculptures. For example, his 1986 monument to boxer Joe Louis is a 24-foot (7.3 m) bronze fist and forearm.
Famous Public Sculptures
One of Graham's first big projects was for the 1984 Olympics. He designed the main entrance for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This gateway had two large bronze statues of a male and female body. They were modeled after athletes competing in the games. Graham also designed a special silver coin for the Olympics.
After 1984, Graham created many more large sculptures for public spaces. One example is The Great Bronze Doors for the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. He finished these doors in 2002.
Personal Life
Robert Graham married his first wife, Joey Graham, in 1959. They had one son named Steven, who was born in 1963.
In 1992, he married the actress Anjelica Huston. They lived in a very unique house in Venice, Los Angeles. Anjelica wanted a special home that felt safe and beautiful. So, Graham designed a house with a long, strong cement wall around it. People sometimes called it "the fortress."
Robert Graham even appeared in one of Anjelica Huston's movies. He had a small part in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. He played a general at the start of the film.
Awards and Recognition
In 1983, Robert Graham was chosen to be an Associate member of the National Academy of Design. He became a full member in 1994.
In 2008, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced a special honor for Graham. He was chosen to be part of the California Hall of Fame. This museum celebrates important Californians. The ceremony was on December 15, 2008. Sadly, Graham was too sick to go. His son Steven accepted the award for him.
Later Life and Passing
After being ill for about six months, Robert Graham passed away. He died on December 27, 2008, in Los Angeles. His funeral was held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. This is the same cathedral where he created the beautiful bronze doors. He was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, Mortuary & Mausoleum.
Major Works
Here are some of Robert Graham's most famous sculptures:
- 1978: Dance Door – Los Angeles Music Center, Los Angeles, California
- 1980–81: Stephanie and Spy – Hammer Museum, University of California, Los Angeles Campus, Los Angeles, California
- 1983: Fountain Figure No. 1, Fountain Figure No. 2, and Fountain Figure No. 3, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- 1984: Olympic Gateway – Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
- 1986: Joe Louis Memorial, Detroit, Michigan
- 1988: Gates of the Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House (formerly known as The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu)
- 1994: Plumed Serpent, Plaza de César Chávez, San Jose, California
- 1997: First Inaugural and Social Programs, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Washington, DC
- 1997: Duke Ellington Monument – Central Park, New York City
- 1999: Charlie "Bird" Parker Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri
- 2001: Prologue – addition to the FDR Memorial, Washington, DC
- 2002: The Great Bronze Doors and Statue of Mary – Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles, California
- 2003: Torso – Rodeo Drive Walk of Style, Beverly Hills, California
- 2007: Spirit of California – California Hall of Fame Medal
