American painter Chuck Close, figure of hyperrealism, died known for his giant portraits – archyworldys

American painter and photographer Chuck Close, a figure of hyperrealism, died Thursday August 19 at the age of 81, US media reported. His lawyer John Silberman, who could not be reached immediately, confirmed his death at New York Times.

Born in 1940 in Monroe, Washington, Chuck Close was known for his gigantic portraits or self-portraits, some in mosaics, others so detailed that they looked like photographs to the naked eye.

Among his subjects, he had represented US President Bill Clinton, composer Philip Glass, rock legend Lou Reed, or artist Cindy Sherman.

Exhibited in the biggest museums

Paralyzed by an attack in 1988, he only moved around in a wheelchair but continued to paint. Exhibited in major museums, such as MoMA or the Guggenheim in New York, his works have also adorned the New York subway.

But the end of his life had been marred by accusations of sexual harassment. In statements to US media in late 2017, several women said the artist asked them to undress and made explicit comments to them when they visited his studio. Chuck Close had denied these allegations, but the National Gallery of Art in Washington had given up on dedicating an exhibition to him in early 2018.