Minimalist Pioneer Robert Morris Dies at 87

Robert Morris, a foundational figure in postwar American art, died on November 30, 2018, at age 87. His career was marked by dramatic stylistic shifts, beginning as a painter in the 1950s after settling in San Francisco in 1956 following Korean War service. He married dancer Simone Forti that same year, later participating in Judson Dance Theater productions before their 1962 divorce. Moving to New York, Morris gained prominence through two exhibitions at Greene Gallery that attracted Donald Judd's attention. In the 1960s, he helped define minimalism through influential essays and exhibitions, becoming a central voice for the movement. Unlike many peers, Morris continued experimenting with diverse forms throughout his career. As a teacher at Hunter College in New York, he influenced subsequent generations of American artists. His work resides in collections of major global institutions.