George Rickey: A Life in Balance

George Rickey was a 20th-century kinetic sculptor who created over 3,000 moving sculptures, including hundreds of major outdoor installations. This biography explores his life, times, and vision of balance, which created sculpture defined by movement. It also covers his life in the larger context of the twentieth century, from Depression-era America to World War II, the rise of New York as the art capital, and the 1960s.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: David R. Godine Publisher Inc

George Rickey, a renowned kinetic sculptor of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on the art world with his mesmerizing moving blades, squares, triangles, and circles. These sculptures can be found in museums and public spaces across the globe, from serene landscapes to bustling city streets. Now, delve into the captivating story of his life, times, and vision of balance that revolutionized sculpture, giving birth to a new genre defined by movement.

Before his passing in 2002, George Rickey created an astonishing 3,000+ moving sculptures, including hundreds of monumental outdoor installations. His "useless machines," as he affectionately referred to them, achieved complete rotation, employed various pendulum variations, and delighted viewers with the exhilarating effects of conical movement.

George Rickey: A Life in Balance takes you on a journey through the life of a celebrated artist, initially a painter and later a sculptor. His inspiration came from various sources, including his childhood visits to the Singer Sewing Machine factory managed by his father, his adventurous years in the art studios of London and Paris in the 1920s, his service as an engineer in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and his pioneering role in academic art programs across the United States.

However, this is not merely the story of an individual artist's creativity and achievements. It encompasses Rickey's life within the broader context of the 20th century, from the depths of the Depression-era America to the upheaval of World War II, from the rise of New York as the world's art capital in the mid-century to the tumultuous 1960s, when Rickey emerged as an international figure, rubbing shoulders with renowned artists like Alexander Calder, David Smith, Christo, and many others. It is also the story of an exceptional marriage, and of Rickey's charismatic and devoted wife, Edith Leighton, who managed her husband's career and reputation in the high-powered art circles.

Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, George Rickey: A Life in Balance offers a profound exploration of an artist's life, times, and vision. It sheds light on the influences that shaped his artistic journey, the challenges he faced, and the profound impact he had on the art world. This captivating biography is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and the pursuit of balance, and it will inspire art enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Weight: 868g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781567927078