The Unilever Series: Juan Muņoz

Introduction | Biography | Statement | More Photos

It is with great sadness that I have learned of the unexpected death of Juan Muñoz from a stomach haemorrhage on Tuesday 28 August 2001.
Born in Madrid in 1953, Juan Muñoz was a distinctive figure within a generation of European artists whose work has significantly extended the language of sculpture.

His figurative art drew on Spanish tradition, but was informed by an understanding of modernist practice. It evolved steadily over a twenty year career and was much admired by his fellow artists, especially sculptors in Britain, where Muñoz studied from 1976-80.

His work has been included in many solo and group exhibitions including at the DIA Center for the Arts, New York (1996), Documenta 9, Kassel (1992) and the Venice Biennale (1997). A major touring retrospective of his work is due to open in Washington DC in October 2001.

His last haunting work, Double Bind, was commissioned by Tate and is currently on display in the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern.

Nicholas Serota
30 August 2001