Fred Eversley, Light and Space sculptor, dies at 83
Fred Eversley, who transitioned from aerospace engineering to become a prominent artist in the Light and Space movement, passed away at the age of 83. Renowned for his cylindrical sculptures crafted from polyester resin and industrial dyes, he employed centrifugal forces on a rotating lathe to layer liquid in concentric circles. Eversley’s inaugural solo exhibition took place at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1970. Prior to his artistic career, he designed acoustical laboratories for NASA and various aerospace firms, which ignited his fascination with parabolas. His sculptures are featured in the 2024 Pacific Standard Time exhibition. ArtReview critic Claudia Ross highlighted the ties between military technology and California Minimalism in his materials, including polyurethane resin and a 1940s turntable used for nuclear bomb components.
Key facts
- Fred Eversley died in 2025 at age 83.
- He was a former aerospace engineer and key figure in the Light and Space movement.
- His sculptures used plastic, polyester resin, and industrial dyes.
- First solo show at Whitney Museum of American Art in 1970.
- Created sculptures by spinning liquid resin on a rotating lathe.
- Worked with NASA and major aerospace companies before art.
- His work was in the 2024 Pacific Standard Time exhibition.
- Materials included polyurethane resin originally for military use.
Entities
Artists
- Fred Eversley
Institutions
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- NASA
- ArtReview