Richard Hunt, a trailblazing sculptor and a prominent figure in the art world, whose profound impact on civil rights was conveyed through his masterpieces, has passed away at the age of 88. The announcement came via a statement on his official website, revealing that the artist “passed away peacefully” at his home on Saturday. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Hunt, a native of Chicago’s south side, was not only an artistic visionary but also a pioneer for racial representation in the world of sculpture. His extensive career, spanning an impressive 70 years, solidified his legacy as a groundbreaking artist who addressed societal issues through his creations.
One of his most notable achievements was becoming the first Black sculptor to receive a solo retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson paid tribute to Hunt, stating, “Richard’s legacy will live on for generations to come. A lifelong Chicagoan, his extraordinary career leaves an indelible impact on our city and our world.”
Hunt’s impact extended beyond the confines of galleries, with over 160 commissioned public art pieces gracing spaces nationwide, including libraries, college campuses, and airports. In Chicago, the 35-foot high stainless steel masterpiece, “Flight Forms,” stands tall at Midway International Airport, while the 2021 dedication of a monument honouring civil rights icon Ida B Wells in Bronzeville showcased his ongoing commitment to social justice.
The sculptor’s influence reached international acclaim, with more than 100 of his pieces displayed in museums across the globe. His 1,500-pound bronze monument, “Swing Low,” at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, remains a powerful ode to the spiritual.
Hunt’s journey as an artist was deeply intertwined with his commitment to civil rights. At the age of 19, he attended the open-casket funeral of Emmett Till, a Black teenage lynching victim, an experience that profoundly influenced his artistic direction. His dedication to the cause persisted, evident in the completion of his recent work, “Hero Ascending,” a tribute to Emmett Till scheduled for installation at Till’s childhood home in Chicago next year.
A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Hunt’s accolades included a 1968 appointment by President Lyndon B Johnson to the National Council on the Arts. In 1971, he shattered barriers once again as the first Black sculptor to have a solo retrospective exhibit at MoMA.
Former President Barack Obama expressed his admiration for Hunt’s work, particularly highlighting the sculpture “Book Bird,” commissioned for the Obama Presidential Center’s planned Chicago public library branch. The sculpture, depicting a bird taking flight from a book, symbolizes the transformative power of reading and study.
“It will be an inspiration for visitors from around the world, and an enduring reminder of a remarkable man,” Obama stated.
Richard Hunt is survived by his daughter, Cecilia, and his sister, Marian. His impact on the art world and his tireless advocacy for civil rights will undoubtedly continue to reverberate through the generations to come.