In the early 1980’s, Robert Therrien became known for transforming simple, generic objects from his own environment into sculpture using a variety of media including copper, wood and bronze. While the depicted objects made from templates were ‘universal’ and recognizable to all, the subject matter of Therrien’s work often derived from personal childhood memories such as the nostalgic Dutch doors of his grandparents’ house to a lonely coffin evoking early deaths in his family, all of which were reinvented into concrete form.
Robert Therrien lives and works in Los Angeles. Solo exhibitions include, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angles, 1984, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, 1988, Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston, 2000, Museum of Contemporary Arts, San Diego, 2007, Kunstmuseum, Basel, 2008, Tate Liverpool, Liverpool, 2011, and De Pont Museum, The Netherlands, 2011. Group exhibitions include La Biennale di Venezia, Venice, 1984, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, 1989, Centre Pompidou, Paris, 1992, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, 1992, 2000, Tate Gallery, London, 1992, 1995, The White House, Washington, 1994, Museum of Contemporary Art, New York, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, The Hayward Gallery, London, 1998, Boston Museum of Fine Art, Boston, 1999, Tate Modern, London, 2000, Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco, 2000, Museum of Fine Art, Boston, 2001, 2002, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh, 2010.
Courtesy Sprüth Magers

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