Richard Andres (American, 1927-2013), Hero

Acrylic and collage on canvas, 1985, signed at lower right, inscribed to verso, framed.

Frame dimensions 31 1/2 x 42 in.

The Contemporary Art Collection of Francine & Benson Pilloff, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Richard Andres was a prominent American abstract artist and educator known for his vibrant use of color and geometric abstraction. Born in Buffalo, New York, Andres showed an early aptitude for art, pursuing his studies at the Cleveland Institute of Art and later at the prestigious Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. During the 1950s and 1960s, he became associated with the Abstract Expressionist movement, though his work was distinct for its structured, formal qualities that set him apart from the more gestural style of his contemporaries. His art often explored the interplay of shapes and colors, creating dynamic compositions that invited viewers to engage deeply with their visual harmony and rhythm.

Throughout his career, Andres maintained a strong presence in the art world, exhibiting his work in galleries and museums across the United States. In addition to his contributions as an artist, he was a dedicated educator, teaching at various institutions and inspiring a generation of young artists with his innovative techniques and passion for visual exploration. Andres’ works are celebrated for their timeless appeal, combining modernist rigor with a deep sense of playfulness and creativity. Today, his paintings and prints remain highly regarded, continuing to captivate audiences with their bold simplicity and evocative use of space.

Some yellowing to varnish.