Galleria Brent Sikkema found dead in Rio de Janeiro
On Monday, January 15, Brent Sikkema, the founder of Sikkema Jenkins & Co. in New York, was discovered deceased with stab wounds in his home in Rio de Janeiro. The following day, the gallery announced his passing, prompting an investigation by the city's homicide unit. Sikkema had traveled to Brazil to celebrate the New Year and Carnival. The gallery, which showcases artists such as Kara Walker and Vik Muniz, received expressions of support for Sikkema's commitment to diverse talent. Launching his career in 1971 at Rochester's Visual Studies Workshop, he initially opened Wooster Gardens in SoHo, later rebranding it as Sikkema Jenkins & Co. in 2003. The gallery pledged to honor his legacy.
Key facts
- Brent Sikkema was found dead in his Rio de Janeiro residence on Monday 15 January.
- He was found with stab wounds and the homicide department is investigating.
- Sikkema was staying in Brazil for the New Year and Carnival holidays.
- Sikkema Jenkins & Co. represents artists including Kara Walker, Sheila Hicks, Jeffrey Gibson, Vik Muniz, and Luiz Zerbini.
- Vik Muniz said Sikkema was his gallerist for three decades and a friend for longer.
- Sikkema began his career in 1971 as director of exhibitions at the Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester, New York.
- He was director of Vision Gallery in Boston from 1976–1980 and owner from 1980–89.
- The gallery was renamed Sikkema Jenkins & Co. in 2003 in recognition of partners Michael Jenkins and Meg Malloy.
Entities
Artists
- Brent Sikkema
- Kara Walker
- Sheila Hicks
- Jeffrey Gibson
- Vik Muniz
- Luiz Zerbini
- Michael Jenkins
- Meg Malloy
Institutions
- Sikkema Jenkins & Co.
- CNN Brasil
- Globo
- Visual Studies Workshop
- Vision Gallery
- Wooster Gardens
- ArtReview
Locations
- New York
- Rio de Janeiro
- Brazil
- Rochester
- Boston
- SoHo
- Chelsea