Chuck Close

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Chuck Close

American, 1940-2021

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Birth LocationMonroe, Washington

Geographic RegionNew York

BiographyCharles Thomas "Chuck" Close (born July 5, 1940) is an American painter/artist and photographer who achieved fame as a photorealist through his massive-scale portraits. Close is renowned for his use of inventive techniques to paint the human face, which are created from intricate patterns and executed from photographs. In 1988, Close was paralyzed following a rare spinal artery collapse; he continues to paint using a brush-holding device strapped to his wrist and forearm. His practice extends beyond painting to encompass printmaking, photography, and, most recently, tapestries based on Polaroids.

In 2000, Close was presented with the prestigious National Medal of Arts by President Clinton, and his work remains sought after by museums and collectors.

He has worked with Crown Point Press, Landfall, Graphicstudio, Vermillion, as well as Pace Editions.

Person TypeIndividual

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