Known for his minimalist sculpture made from store-bought acrylic colored yarn, Fred Sandback was based in New York City. His most characteristic works gave the impression of geometric forms with yarn pieces of varying lengths stretched between different points on walls, ceilings, and floors of exhibition venues. To the eyes of many viewers, the thin, rather fuzzy yarn created an illusion as though they were transparent planes.

His goal with these illusions of perception was to focus the viewer on that which was happening in front of them and not on the past or the future. Devoid of solid objects, his work was intended to heighten sensitivity to the feelings of moving about in space.

Sandback established his studio in Rindge, New Hampshire, and also traveled widely and carried all his supplies in a small black bag.

He was born in Bronxville, New York on August 29, 1943. Majoring in philosophy at Yale University, he then enrolled in the Yale School of Fine Art and in 1969, earned an MFA in sculpture. Influenced greatly by visiting professors Donald Judd and Robert Morris, founders of the Minimalist movement, Sandback began with simple, geometric structures he made by being and welding thin steel rods.

In 1967, he began his signature works with yarn, and positive public recognition followed with him being given the next year, two solo exhibitions in Germany. He also opened his own museum in Winchendon, Massachusetts, the Fred Sandback Museum, financed by the Dia Art Foundation, and this operated from 1981 to 1996.

He died June 23, 2003, having committed suicide from depression.

Source:
Obituary by Ken Johnson, "New York Times", June 26, 2003