Call to Be a Sculptor
"When I was a student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, seeing work like that, and especially the work by González . . . really sparked my interest in direct-metal sculpture."
- Richard Hunt, Sculpture, May 1998
Sculpture of the Twentieth Century
In the spring of 1953, the Museum of Modern Art showcased the captivating exhibition Sculpture of the Twentieth Century at the Art Institute of Chicago. It was here that Hunt immersed himself in this remarkable display, returning more than half a dozen times to absorb the remarkable works of iconic artists such as Jean Arp, Constantin Brâncuși, Umberto Boccioni, Raymond Duchamp-Villon, Julio González, Pablo Picasso, and David Smith.
This exhibition also opened his eyes to the brilliant British sculptors linked to the "New Iron Age," renowned for their innovative direct metal creations, including the likes of Reg Butler and Lynn Chadwick. The experience was nothing short of transformative for Hunt, igniting his passion for metal sculpture and inspiring him to craft his early works using soldered iron wire.
Installation view of Sculpture of the Twentieth Century exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, 1953
"One of School of the Art Institute's most heroic creators."
- School of the Art Institute (SAIC)
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
In the autumn, fueled by his artistic fervor and following the award of a highly sought-after scholarship from the Chicago Public School Art Society, Hunt embarked on his studies at the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Inspired by González's direct-metal works from the Sculpture of the Twentieth Century exhibition, Hunt was determined to learn the technique. Although the SAIC curriculum did not include welding, and necessary welding tools were unavailable, he took the initiative to invest in his own equipment and taught himself direct-metal welding.
Scouring Chicago's industrial yards for discarded scraps, he made a bold transition from softer materials, fully committing himself to the world of metal. His studio became a haven for creativity, nestled in the basement of his father’s barbershop, where his artistic journey continued to flourish.
Hunt (standing, third from left) with classmates during a session of Egon Weiner’s sculpture class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 1957.