New York Art Dealer Brent Sikkema's Death in Rio de Janeiro Sparks Homicide Investigation

Brent Sikkema, a 75-year-old American art dealer and co-owner of the prominent Manhattan gallery, Sikkema Jenkins & Co., was discovered dead in his Rio de Janeiro apartment earlier this week.

Brazilian state police confirmed on Tuesday that the case is being treated as a homicide, and investigators are diligently working to unravel the circumstances surrounding Sikkema's untimely demise, as per NBC New York

Brent Sikkema's Death Sparks Robbery Probe

(Photo : STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Police tape is seen in front of a police vehicle as Manuel Oliver displays a banner calling on government officials to prioritize gun violence prevention from a construction crane near the White House in Washington, DC, on February 14, 2022. Oliver's son Joaquin Oliver was killed in the Parkland School shooting four years ago today.

Sikkema, a well-known figure in the art world, had been residing in the upscale neighborhood of Jardim Botânico, adjacent to the Tijuca forest, which he fondly described as an urban "oasis" in a 2022 interview with Idea Fix magazine. The details surrounding his death remain sketchy, but Brazilian media reports suggest that he may have been stabbed with a sharp object.

Firefighters responded to a distress call at Sikkema's apartment on Monday night, where they found the art dealer with wounds indicative of an attack involving a sharp object, as reported by the Brazilian newspaper O Globo. CNN Brasil further speculated that the weapon could have been scissors, a box cutter, or a screwdriver.

While the investigation is still in its early stages, local authorities are considering the possibility that Sikkema's death may be linked to a robbery. The G1 news outlet reported this as the "main line of investigation," emphasizing the urgency to uncover the motive behind this tragedy.

Brent Sikkema, with a career spanning over five decades, was a pivotal figure in the art scene. In 1991, he launched the Wooster Gardens contemporary art gallery in Manhattan, which underwent various name changes and relocations over the years but maintained Sikkema's enduring involvement. Throughout his distinguished career, he represented acclaimed artists such as Kara Walker, Jeffrey Gibson, and Vik Muniz, according to Daily Beast.

Sikkema Jenkins & Co. Mourns Founder Amid Rio Probe

Meg Malloy and Michael Jenkins, business partners at Sikkema Jenkins & Co., expressed their sorrow in a statement to The New York Times, saying, "It is with great sadness that the gallery announces the passing of our beloved founder. The gallery grieves this tremendous loss and will continue on in his spirit."

The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro State, responsible for the investigation, has conducted forensic examinations at the site of Sikkema's death. In a released statement, they affirmed their commitment to gathering information, listening to witnesses, and conducting thorough inquiries to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The US Consulate in Rio de Janeiro confirmed the death of Brent Sikkema, a US citizen, highlighting the international impact of this unfortunate incident.

Sikkema's journey in the art world began in 1971 at the Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester, New York, where he served as the director of exhibitions. His first gallery opened its doors in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1976. His legacy lives on through Sikkema Jenkins & Co., a gallery that continues to showcase works by acclaimed artists on 22nd Street near the Chelsea Piers.

While visiting Zurich in 2021, Sikkema showcased his adventurous side on Instagram, describing himself as someone who embraces chaos. He shared his fondness for vibrant destinations like Brazil and Cuba. As the investigation continues, the art community is deeply saddened by the passing of an influential leader, leaving numerous unanswered questions in the aftermath of this tragic incident, Newsday reported.