Chuck Close
Biography of Chuck Close
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Charles Thomas Close
Common Aliases: Chuck Close
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: July 5, 1940
Death Date: August 19, 2021
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Painter, Photographer, Visual Artist
Early Life and Background
Chuck Close was born on July 5, 1940, in Monroe, Washington. From an early age, Close faced significant challenges, including severe dyslexia and a neuromuscular condition that made it difficult for him to engage in physical activities. Despite these obstacles, he found solace and expression in art. His parents, recognizing his talent, encouraged his artistic pursuits. Close's early fascination with art was further nurtured by his exposure to the works of artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning.
Close attended the University of Washington School of Art, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962. He then went on to study at Yale University, obtaining a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1964. During his time at Yale, Close was influenced by the Abstract Expressionist movement, but he soon began to develop his own distinctive style that would later define his career.
Major Accomplishments
Chuck Close is best known for his monumental portraits, which are characterized by their meticulous detail and large scale. His innovative approach to portraiture involved the use of a grid system to create hyper-realistic images from photographs. This technique allowed him to break down the image into smaller, manageable sections, which he then meticulously painted, often using a variety of media including oil, acrylic, and watercolor.
In 1988, Close suffered a spinal artery collapse that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite this life-altering event, he continued to create art, adapting his methods to accommodate his physical limitations. He began using a brush strapped to his wrist and developed a new style that incorporated a more abstract, pixelated approach to his portraits.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Chuck Close's most notable works include his portraits of fellow artists and public figures such as Philip Glass, Alex Katz, and Bill Clinton. His 1967 painting "Big Self-Portrait" is one of his most famous works, showcasing his early photorealistic style. This piece, along with others like "Mark" (1979) and "Lucas" (1986), exemplifies his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with striking precision.
Close's work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. His contributions to the art world have been recognized with numerous awards, including the National Medal of Arts in 2000.
Impact and Legacy
Chuck Close's impact on the art world is profound. He revolutionized the genre of portraiture, challenging traditional notions of representation and perception. His innovative use of the grid system and his ability to transform photographic images into large-scale paintings have inspired countless artists and continue to influence contemporary art practices.
Close's determination to continue creating art despite his physical limitations serves as a powerful testament to his resilience and dedication. His ability to adapt and innovate in the face of adversity has made him a symbol of perseverance and creativity.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Chuck Close is widely quoted and remembered for his unique approach to art and his insightful reflections on the creative process. His quotes often emphasize the importance of persistence, the value of hard work, and the transformative power of art. One of his most famous quotes, "Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work," encapsulates his belief in the discipline and dedication required to succeed as an artist.
Close's legacy extends beyond his artistic achievements; he is remembered as a figure who overcame significant personal challenges to leave an indelible mark on the art world. His life and work continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, ensuring that his influence will be felt for generations to come.
Quotes by Chuck Close
Chuck Close's insights on:
Never let anyone define what you are capable of by using parameters that don't apply to you.
You can give the same recipe to ten cooks, and some make it come alive, and some make a flat souffle. A system doesn’t guarantee anything.
I always thought problem solving was greatly overrated – and that the most important thing was problem creation.
The camera is objective. When it records a face it can’t make any hierarchical decisions about a nose being more important than a cheek. The camera is not aware of what it is looking at. It just gets it all down.
At the same time that I’m finding the color world I want, I’m also trying to make the imagery, you know, by the nature of the strokes themselves.
The reason I don’t like realist, photorealist, neorealist, or whatever, is that I am as interested in the artificial as I am in the real.
The thing that interests me about photography, and why it’s different from all other media, is that it’s the only medium in which there is even the possibility of an accidental masterpiece.
I absolutely hate technology, and I’m computer illiterate, and I never use any labor-saving devices although I’m not convinced that a computer is a labor-saving device.
Painting is a lie. It’s the most magic of all media, the most transcendent. It makes space where there is no space.