The art of Richard Serra tells stories from his youth, and
from his adulthood. Their deep meanings and sometimes awe inspiring scale, has
lead to his nature as being a very accomplished and world-renowned American
artist and sculpture.

Even now—years after his most humble beginnings, collectors
still scramble for Richard Serra prints, and his original works are more rare
than ever. But what makes his art so good? What gives his art the insight that
other artists struggle to represent? And why is his art so well received?



Upon the examination many of his early works and a large variety of Richard
Serra prints— I've decided to explore various museums in order to better understand
the direction and motivation of this extremely influential artist.

The first is the framing. Unlike other artists—Serra has
described one of his biggest issues with many museums is the residence of his
works in a room. He describes how the location, and actual room is of the most
important when it comes to the tonnage and interpretation of the work.
Though  a subtle detail—it may be one
factor  that his work is so positively
stunning, and why collectors so fervently collect Richard Serra prints.

Now what of his sculpture? Serra's sculpture work ranges
from the abstract, to the strange to the absolutely awe striking. His steel
work despite being massive in scale—is definitely minimalist. He deals greatly
with supreme forms, cast in various metallic alloys such as copper, steal or
lead.

One of his first, and most famous works—is Tilted Arc, which was a massive
installation piece in the Federal Plaza of New York City. This piece was
originally placed in 1981—and stood there for eight years before being voted to
be removed. Serra was quoted as saying, "To remove the work is to destroy
it." He felt that this specific work, and many of his work was
site-specific. This is definitely something to keep in mind as we examine why
Serra's work is so successful. His sculpture not only focuses on the object of
creation, but the setting and environment to which it is placed. The extreme
focus and thought that goes into that is great reason alone Richard Serra
Prints and replications are so sought after today.



Another reason Serra is so often admired by many artists was his courage to be
able to make harsh political commentaries through his art. In 2006, Serra
revealed a simple lithographic work—that depicted a torn, and almost agonized
Abu Ghraib prisoner with a very simple caption and mantra to go with the
picture, "STOP BUSH." Ultimately this image was featured on various
posters during the following elections, but a great deal is said simply by
looking at this work—which dares to challenge even the president. But his
politically charged work doesn't end there—Serra also created a spin on one of
the Old Masters works. He used Goya, and the classic Saturn Devouring His Son—except portrayed Saturn with the head of
George Bush as opposed to Saturn. The extreme commentary held by this work does
not need to be explained. But what needs to be taken is the true brazen and
fearless nature of Serra's work—that draws in so many viewers and admirers
alike. Both these pieces, available in the form of Richard Serra prints —are
especially rare to find with signatures, and if available should no doubt be
obtained.