Fred Eversley, a groundbreaking artist known for his fusion of art and science in creating captivating parabolic sculptures, passed away on March 14 at the age of 83. His unexpected death followed a brief illness, as confirmed by a spokesperson for David Kordansky Gallery, his representative since 2018.
Eversley rose to prominence in the late 1960s as part of the Southern California art scene, alongside luminaries such as Larry Bell, DeWain Valentine, and Peter Alexander. While he is often associated with the Light and Space Movement, which focused on the interplay of light and industrial materials, Eversley’s approach was distinct due to his deep interest in the scientific principles behind his work rather than any spiritual or transcendental motivations.
Born in Brooklyn in 1941, Eversley showed an early affinity for science, experimenting with parabolic forms using a turntable and pie plate filled with jell-o. He pursued electrical engineering at the Carnegie Institute of Technology, where he was the sole Black engineering student. After relocating to Los Angeles in 1963 and working as an engineer for NASA, he transitioned to art following a life-altering car accident in 1967.
In his new artistic endeavor, Eversley explored transparent cylinders of colored resin before delving into parabolic lenses cast in polyester resin, a hallmark of his oeuvre for over five decades. His dedication to the scientific underpinnings of his work earned him recognition, culminating in exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, OK Harris Gallery, and Phyllis Kind Gallery.
While Eversley’s sculptures are deeply rooted in technicality, they also provoke shifts in perception and engagement with the viewer, reflecting and refracting the world around them. Despite facing challenges in finding his place within the art world, Eversley’s work is now celebrated in over 40 museum collections, marking a belated recognition of his contributions.
In recent years, Eversley’s profile has seen a resurgence, with notable exhibitions at the Orange County Museum of Art and the unveiling of public artworks like “Parabolic Light” in Central Park and “PORTALS” in West Palm Beach. His legacy as an artist of unwavering vision and integrity continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
As the art world mourns the loss of a visionary talent, Fred Eversley’s enduring impact on the intersection of art and science stands as a testament to his singular artistic vision and unwavering dedication to his craft.
