Brazilian authorities 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 an apartment in Rio de Janeiro on Monday night, according to Rio de Janeiro State Civil Police.
Mr Sikkema, co-owner of Chelsea contemporary art gallery Sikkema Jenkins & Company, is believed to have been stabbed to death.
An unidentified suspect was seen stopping by for about 15 minutes before leaving with cash. O Globo newspaper reported.
Authorities were called to Sikkema's apartment by Sikkema's lawyer, Simone Nunez, who told O Globo that she had gone to check on Sikkema after not hearing from him over the weekend. Told.
Nunes entered the house using a key he had kept with him and found Sikkema dead, the newspaper said.
Local authorities added that experts are still conducting forensic examinations of Sikkema's body as the investigation continues.
Police said: “Officers are speaking to witnesses, seeking further information and conducting other inquiries to try to solve the incident.”
Sikkema Jenkins confirmed the dealer's death. Statement on website.
“It is with great sadness that the Gallery announces the passing of our beloved founder Brent Sikkema,” the obituary reads.
Sikkema was born and raised in Illinois and eventually graduated from the Art Institute of San Francisco, according to a short obituary.
After several years in the art world, he opened the contemporary gallery Worcester Gardens in New York City, which later became Sikkema Jenkins & Co., in the early 1990s.
At the time of Sikkema's death, the gallery housed well-known artists such as Sheila Hicks and Carla Walker.
In a photo shared on his Instagram account in July 2016, there was a photo of him with then-first lady Michelle Obama. “I am so proud of this extraordinary woman.” he wrote.
“The gallery mourns this great loss and will continue to carry on his spirit,” the article concluded.
The U.S. Consulate General in Rio also confirmed the death of an American in the city, but did not provide further details.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family. We are providing all appropriate support to the family. Due to privacy concerns, we have no further comment,” a State Department spokesperson said. washington post.
with post wire
