Lyman Emmet Kipp, Jr. (December 24, 1929 – March 30, 2014) was a sculptor and painter who created pieces that are composed of mighty vertical and horizontal objects and were often painted in bold primary colors recalling arrangements by De Stijl Constructivists. Kipp is an important figure in the increase of the Primary Structure style which came to inflection in the mid-1960s.
Kipp’s early deed in the 1950s focused on geometric, plaster reliefs and cast bronzes (see No. 1 – 1959 or Directional I). He moved upon to large, geometric, welded pieces composed of name and beam elements emphasizing the vertical during the 1960s (see Andy’s Cart Blanche, Muscoot or Hudson Bay). Finding it difficult to transport large, heavy, welded pieces, he turned to angled sections and sheets of steel and aluminum that could be bolted together upon site. Typically the pieces were painted with bright colors and the skinny edges were often defined afterward bright, complementary colors (see Long Distance, Chicksaw or Kobi). In the late 1970s, Kipp’s steel sheets began to involve into the air upon thin legs (see Lockport 1977, Salute to Knowledge or Yoakum Jack).
Kipp was a founding enthusiast of ConStruct, the artist-owned gallery that promoted and organized large-scale sculpture exhibitions throughout the United States. Other founding members tote up Mark di Suvero, Kenneth Snelson, John Raymond Henry and Charles Ginnever.
Kipp’s health deteriorated and he died peacefully on March 30, 2014. His last known works were in 2011.
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