Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
George Rickey Biography
George Warren Rickey, born on June 6, 1907, in South Bend, Indiana, emerged as a pivotal figure in the kinetic sculpture movement, captivating audiences with his dynamic, wind-driven creations. His journey from a childhood fascination with mechanics to becoming an internationally celebrated artist is a testament to his innovative spirit and profound understanding of movement and form.
Rickey's early life was marked by a significant relocation when his family moved to Glasgow, Scotland, in 1913. His father, a mechanical engineer for the Singer Sewing Machine Company, played a crucial role in shaping Rickey's interest in mechanics and engineering. This foundational period was further enriched by his grandfather, a clockmaker, who instilled in him an appreciation for mechanical structures and intricate handwork. These early experiences laid the groundwork for Rickey's artistic explorations, blending technical precision with creative expression.
Educated at Glenalmond College, Rickey's academic journey led him to Balliol College, Oxford, in 1926, where he earned a BA and MA in Modern History. However, his passion for art persisted, leading him to take classes at the Ruskin School of Drawing during his last years at Oxford. This period of academic and artistic exploration was crucial in broadening Rickey's horizons and setting the stage for his future endeavors in the arts.
After Oxford, Rickey's thirst for knowledge and experience took him across Europe, studying in Germany and Paris, and eventually back to America. His early career saw him teaching history at Groton School in Massachusetts and working in the editorial department of Newsweek magazine in New York. It was during his service in the Army Air Corps during World War II that Rickey's artistic direction took a pivotal turn. Influenced by Laszlo Moholy-Nagy and Alexander Calder, he began experimenting with kinetic sculpture, initially using glass and later transitioning to metal, which became his signature medium.
Rickey's sculptures, characterized by their slender, carefully balanced forms, respond to natural forces like wind and rain. Over time, he expanded his repertoire, incorporating rectangular planes and volumetric elements, and experimenting with new materials such as stainless steel. His work, often designed for outdoor spaces, invites viewer interaction and engagement, embodying a blend of geometric precision and natural fluidity.
Rickey's contributions to the art world extend beyond his sculptures. He was a dedicated educator, teaching at various institutions, including Muhlenberg College and Indiana University South Bend. His commitment to sharing knowledge and inspiring others was evident in his involvement in artist-in-residence programs funded by the WPA and the Carnegie Corporation.
Throughout his career, Rickey's work received international acclaim, with exhibitions and permanent installations around the globe. His sculptures, described as "useless machines" by the artist himself, continue to enchant viewers with their silent, graceful movements, embodying the passage of time within a seemingly timeless medium.
George Rickey passed away on July 17, 2002, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence and inspire. His work, a harmonious blend of art and engineering, challenges our perceptions of space, movement, and the potential of materials. Rickey's sculptures, residing in public spaces and collections worldwide, serve as enduring reminders of his visionary approach to kinetic art, marking him as one of the most significant sculptors of the 20th century.
George Rickey Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
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