SPENCERTOWN–Major media outlets reported Sunday night, December 27, that artist Ellsworth Kelly, described by National Public Radio as “a universally recognized master of contemporary art,” died today at his home here. He was 92.
The news was attributed to the New York City gallery owner Matthew Marks, who represents Mr. Kelly’s works.
Mr. Kelly moved to Spencertown in 1970, according to the Museum of Modern Art, and rented a second-floor space on Main Street in Chatham, where he painted 14 works in a year’s time–each consisting or two rectangular canvases that formed an “L” shape. The paintings are known as the Chatham Series.
In addition to his stature as an abstract artist whose bright colors on geometrical shapes has had a profound influence on artists and art movements for decades, Mr. Kelly was known locally for his philanthropy, including matching grant programs through the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation that promote arts education in all the public school districts in Columbia County. He also helped support many other local cultural and civic projects in the county.
Mr. Kelly was born in Newburgh in 1923. He is survived by his partner Jack Shear.