Michael Richards Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

New York, New York

Giving Bronze Flight
It is most likely that Michael Richards, a well-regarded sculptor, was doing the thing he loved most Tuesday morning in his studio in Tower 1 on the 92nd floor of the World Trade Center. "He would work through most of the night and into the morning," said Kira Harris, a friend. Mr. Richards, 38, who was born in Kingston, Jamaica, worked a lot in bonded bronze, and his sculptures often had the look of life-size human figures. "We had scheduled that I would see his new work this week," said Christine Y. Kim, assistant curator at the Studio Museum in Harlem. His creations often dealt with "technology such as aviation, ironically," she said, then read aloud the words of another curator, Jorge Daniel Veneciano, about Mr. Richards's sculpture: "Each of his works engages the notion of flight in at least two important senses: as a form of flight away from what is repressive, and as a form of flight toward what is redeeming."

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Michael, I was only two years old on September 11, 2001, and it wasn’t until I started to grow up that I knew the extent of the attacks and the way it changed the country. As a black artist and creator myself, I was very moved learning about you and your story, your life, and your inspiration behind your art. Seeing how you and your work touched the lives and souls of others in your life brings about a feeling that can’t be put into words. I hate that your life was taken from you so soon, and...

Stasia Mabry

September 19, 2020 | Corpus Christi, TX

Read your story on Roots.com today and found myself searching for photos of your work. You were an extraordinary talent and your loss is truly grievous. What wonderful work you could have created had your life not been stolen from you. We will never forget all who were lost that horrible day. RIP Michael.

Donna

September 07, 2011 | Syracuse

we still remember you

edie boyer

August 13, 2009 | Miami, FL

Like Kim Rand, I knew Michael when he was a grad student in art school at NYU. He always struck me as being incredibly classy, sophisticated and gentle. He had such an articulate way about him, combined with this wonderful realness--like an ability to avoid being pretentious about artmaking while still being exceptionally thoughtful as both a creator and a human being. My thoughts go to his family and loved ones. It's warming to see how many people remember him.

Roben Torosyan

September 11, 2007 | Fairfield, CT

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Vivian Prince

September 11, 2007 | Atlanta, GA

As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

kristine

April 17, 2007 | Tecumseh, MI

In remembrance....

P Tabbernor

February 16, 2007 | Victoria, BC

I miss you ....

donna k

September 10, 2004 | NY

Mike, it will soon be three years since the unthinkable of sept.11th. And I'm so greatfull to Legacy.Com for giving me a chance to say to you what I could not say when you were here.
Cuz, I can still recall that first time we met at mum's house. You were up for a visit from Jamaica and I for a visit from Canada. I remembered you showing me all of your drawings and how you tried to teach me how it was done. But I could never come close to that of the master that was you. Even at the age...

Courtney Dale

May 26, 2004 | Ottawa, ON

Michael Richards

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