Renowned Pittsburgh Sculptor Thaddeus G. Mosley Jr. Passes Away at 99
Thaddeus G. Mosley Jr., the esteemed Pittsburgh sculptor known for his monumental abstract wood sculptures, has passed away at the age of 99. Mosley, a fixture in the local art scene since the 1950s, died at his North Side home after receiving hospice care.
Community Impact and Family Legacy
His family expressed profound sorrow over his loss. Khari Mosley, a Pittsburgh City Councilor and one of Thaddeus’s six children, described his father as a dedicated family man and a creative force deeply rooted in the blue-collar ethos of Western Pennsylvania. Mosley embodied the spirit of classic jazz music, which inspired much of his work.
Artistic Journey
Mosley worked daily in his studio located in the Chateau neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Surrounded by a multitude of sculptures, he employed traditional hand-carving techniques with mallets and chisels to create his art, often likening his workspace to a forest of leafless trees. “A day is a day,” he remarked in a 2018 interview, emphasizing the consistency of his craft.
Notable Public Works
His public artworks include:
- “Phoenix” – A 14-foot-tall sculpture located at the intersection of Centre Avenue and Dinwiddie.
- “Mountaintop” – Installed at the intersection of Herron and Milwaukee streets in the Hill District.
- Permanent displays at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and Eastside Bond Plaza.
- Pieces at the Carnegie Mellon University campus and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
A Rising Star After 90
Although well-known in Pittsburgh, Mosley gained national acclaim later in life. He was featured in the prestigious Carnegie International at 92. The following year, his work was represented by the Karma art gallery in New York, where an exhibition of his small-scale glass sculptures is currently on display. His art has also been showcased in various museums across the United States and internationally in venues such as the Musée National Eugène Delacroix in Paris.
Formation and Inspirations
Mosley’s artistic journey began while he was working as a sportswriter in the 1950s. His early sculptures were inspired by animal forms and evolved into abstract art influenced by African tribal art and the works of Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi. He aimed for his sculptures to capture movement and the concept of “weight in space.”
Legacy and Future Exhibitions
His legacy includes numerous prestigious exhibitions, such as:
- “Following Space: Thaddeus Mosley & Alexander Calder” – Scheduled for 2024 at the Seattle Art Museum.
- “Forest” – A solo exhibition at the Baltimore Museum of Art in 2021.
Mosley was also dedicated to teaching, with experience in various educational settings, including prisons. He acted as a mentor to many young African-American men in his community.
Final Years and Memorials
Mosley is survived by six children, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and his companion, Teruyo Seya. The family plans a private memorial service and invites the community to celebrate his life publicly. They have established a Thaddeus Mosley Memorial Fund for those wishing to honor his memory in lieu of flowers.
