Richard Artschwager (1923–2013) explored the utility and uselessness of art, examining how materials, objects and architectural spaces shape perception. He received a B.A. in physics from Cornell University before establishing a cabinetmaking business. Following a fire that destroyed his studio in 1958, Artschwager shifted his focus from furniture making to art, developing a distinctive practice that blurred distinctions between painting, sculpture, furniture and architecture. His use of everyday objects and commercial materials aligned him with Pop, while his geometric forms evoked Minimalism and his investigations of perception anticipated Conceptual art. Artschwager was among the early artists selected for UC Davis' visiting artist program. While at Davis in 1968, he developed his BLP series—black, lozenge-shaped markers placed on walls, furniture and architectural surfaces to draw attention to overlooked spaces. His work has entered major museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art and Whitney Museum of American Art, and has been the subject of major retrospectives, including surveys at the Whitney Museum of American Art.