Artsy Ferret

Louise Bourgeois dies at 98

Louise Bourgeois, renowned sculptor died Monday at the age of 98. She died at Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan, New York after suffering a heart attack.

The Crouching Spider (image via san fransico sentinel )

Her sculptures known for their disquieting symbolism, deeply personal and psychological meanings were disturbing and witty. She did not become well known until later in life and her career.

She used spidery images in her sculptures, as a symbol of her mother and its predatory ability to keep order and the insect population down.

Fragile Goddess 1970 (image via Tate Modern )

Her images of the human body, fragmented and in parts, shown sexually and grotesque were powerful. Her childhood also provided the psychic source of her art.

She taught at many schools, received honorary doctorates, and in 1997 National Medal of Arts. France named her an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters.

Femme Couteau , 2002 (via Leopold museum )

She spent much of her time at her home in Chelsea or her studio in Brooklyn. She is survived by her two sons, Jean-Louis and Alain, and her two grandchildren and one great grandchild.