Claes Oldenburg, a well-known Swedish-born sculptor whose enormous works of everyday objects delighted millions, passed away at age 93 at his New York City residence.
He experienced a recent fall, according to the Pace Gallery, his agent.
One of the “most daring painters of the 20th century… in the evolution of pop art,” according to the statement.
Oldenburg is well-known for his iconic works featuring clothes pegs, baseball bats, hamburgers, and electric plugs. He immigrated to the US in the 1950s.
His sculptures are prominently displayed in public places both in the US and abroad.
Many of his creations were joint efforts with his late wife Coosje van Bruggen, who passed away in 2009.
His suggestions came in the form of drawings that were purposefully ridiculous.
He depicts a gigantic teddy bear slumped at the northern end of Central Park in one 1965 sketch, for example, turning the entire city into a playground.
The sculptor was more concerned in developing whimsical ideas that were simultaneously humorous and slightly menacing; he never imagined that his ironic plans would ever be implemented.
