George Herms, the California artist who transformed discarded objects into evocative assemblages, has died at age 90. Known for his poetic, often whimsical sculptures made from rusted tools, old photographs, and other found materials, Herms was a central figure in the West Coast assemblage movement that emerged in the 1960s. His work bridged Beat-era spontaneity with a deeply personal, tactile approach to art-making, earning him a devoted following and exhibitions at major institutions.
Herms’s death marks the passing of a generation of artists who redefined sculpture by elevating the ordinary and the overlooked. His practice anticipated contemporary concerns with sustainability and material culture, while his commitment to improvisation and collaboration influenced countless younger artists. As museums and collectors reassess the legacy of assemblage, Herms’s work remains a touchstone for how art can find beauty and meaning in the discarded.