José de Rivera
- Born:
- November 3, 1904, West Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
- Died:
- September 19, 1985, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Sculptor
Early Life and Education
- Initially trained as a machinist.
- Developed an interest in art while working at General Electric.
- Studied painting at the Studio School of Art in Boston in the 1930s.
- Later shifted focus to sculpture.
Career and Major Achievements
- Known for his abstract, kinetic sculptures, often employing stainless steel.
- His sculptures explore themes of motion, light, and space.
- Early works incorporated gears and machinery, reflecting his initial training.
- Developed techniques for creating polished, reflective surfaces.
- Received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1946.
- Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1963.
Notable Works
- Construction (1930), early painting.
- Numerous untitled kinetic sculptures in stainless steel.
- Commissions for public spaces, including airports and universities.
Legacy and Impact
José de Rivera's pioneering use of industrial materials and his exploration of kinetic art significantly influenced the development of modern sculpture. His work brought a new dimension of movement and light to the art form.
The subject of a comprehensive José de Rivera biography reveals his importance.