Claes Oldenburg, sculptor of Akron Art Museum showpiece and Cleveland 'Free Stamp,' dies

Although the sculptor for the "Inverted Q," the popular bright pink art piece at the Akron Art Musuem, has died, he left his artistic touch through several pieces in Northeast Ohio.

Claes Oldenburg was born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1929, and raised in Chicago, died Monday. As well as the "Inverted Q," Oldenburg has several other works that can be seen at the Akron Art Museum — some connected to his locally well-known piece.

"Oldenburg is best-known for his whimsical works of public sculpture, often comically oversized," officials with the Akron Art Museum stated in a Facebook post on Monday. "We are honored to have several of his works as part of our collection, including the museum's beloved, iconic 'Inverted Q' that sits in our lobby. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends as well as to art appreciators around the world."

Looking for something to do?:Arts picks: 'West Side Story' at Porthouse, 'Lord of Rings' live at Blossom, UA's TubaSummer

Family history:Solo show 'Three Countries, One Mother' has Nepali actor digging deep into family story

In addition to the "Inverted Q," Oldenburg is known locally for the "Free Stamp," which can be seen in Willard Park in Cleveland.

""It is a privilege to have Claes Oldenburg's Inverted Q in the Akron Art Museum collection," said Jeff Katzin, associate curator for the Akron Art Museum. "With inspiration from Akron's rubber industry, Oldenburg created something big, bold, quirky, and fun. We try to incorporate those qualities into everything we do, and so it is fitting that the Q has become an icon of the Museum."

Oldenburg was married to sculptor and art historian Coosje van Bruggen, according to information from the Akron Art Museum. They were married in 1977, and the two frequently collaborated over the next 32 years until her death in 2009. 

In 1972, Mary and Louis Myers had commissioned Claes Oldenburg to create a sculpture for a park adjoining Akron’s downtown library, according to information from the museum. Oldenburg had planned to cast the sculpture in rubber, reflecting Akron's signature industry. 

However, available technology at that time did not permit casting such a massive form in rubber. Instead, in 1976 Oldenburg had Inverted Q cast in concrete. By that time, a different sculpture by George Sugarman had been installed in the park. Sugarman’s work is now at the library’s Fairlawn-Bath branch. The Myerses purchased the first "Inverted Q" in the edition and donated it to the Akron Art Museum.

Harry Potter returns:Wizardly Weekend brings magic back to Kent

Akronite going to Apollo:'This journey...has been incredible': Akron's Kofi Boakye wins semifinals at Apollo

Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com