Authorities in Brazil are investigating after a prominent New York art dealer was apparently stabbed to death in his Rio apartment.
The body of Brent Sikkema, 75, was found in his apartment in Rio de Janeiro on Monday night, according to the Rio de Janeiro State Civil Police.
Sikkema — who co-owns Chelsea contemporary art gallery Sikkema Jenkins & Co. — appears to have been stabbed to death.
An unidentified suspect was also seen leaving the residence with cash after stopping for about 15 minutes, O Globo newspaper claimed.
Authorities were called to Sikkema’s apartment by his lawyer, Simone Nunes, who told O Globo that she went to check on the septuagenarian after not hearing from him over the weekend.
Nunes entered using the key he had to sit in the house, and found Sikkema dead, the outlet explained.
Brent Sikkema, 75, was found dead on Monday in his apartment in Rio. Sikkema Jenkins & Co.
Experts are still conducting a forensic examination of Sikkema’s body while the investigation is ongoing, local authorities added.
“Officers will be interviewing witnesses, looking for more information and conducting other inquiries to clarify the case,” police said.
Sikkema Jenkins & Co. confirmed the businessman’s death in a statement on his website.
“It is with great sadness that the gallery announces the passing of our beloved founder, Brent Sikkema,” the tribute read.
Sikkema poses with former first lady Michelle Obama. Instagram/Brent Sikkema
Sikkema was born and raised in Illinois and eventually graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute, the brief obituary said.
After several years in the art world, he opened New York City’s contemporary Wooster Gardens gallery, which eventually became Sikkema Jenkins & Co., in the early 1990s.
At the time of Sikkema’s death, the gallery represented well-known artists such as Sheila Hicks and Kara Walker.
A photo shared on his Instagram purportedly in July 2016 shows him with the then first lady, Michelle Obama. “So proud of this amazing woman,” he wrote.
“The gallery mourns this great loss and will continue in spirit,” the write-up concluded.
Brent Sikkema runs a prominent New York City art gallery. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
The US consulate in Rio also confirmed the death of a US citizen in the city, although it did not elaborate on the circumstances.
“We offer our condolences to the family. We provide all necessary assistance to the family. Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment,” a State Department spokesperson told the Washington Post.
With Postal wire
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
