Sibylle Szaggars is a talented multimedia environmental artist best known as the wife of legendary actor, director, and producer Robert Redford. Born in Hamburg, Germany, Szaggars has led an adventurous life, traveling throughout Europe, Morocco, and Malaysia during her childhood. Her passion for art has been a driving force in her life since her early years.
In the pursuit of her artistic dreams, Szaggars eventually moved to London before making a home in the United States. She settled in Utah and launched her own painting studio in the early 1990s, where her work continues to flourish. Szaggars and Redford married in 2009, further solidifying a longtime partnership that spans the worlds of art, activism, and film.
As an artist, Sibylle Szaggars incorporates a strong focus on environmental themes into her work, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire advocacy for our planet. Her creative expression ranges from paintings and installations to performance art pieces, making her a versatile and much-celebrated talent.
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Early Life
Sibylle Szaggars was born on April 14, 1957, in Hamburg, Germany. Since her early years, she displayed a strong interest in sketching and painting, which eventually shaped her chosen career path as a multimedia environmental artist.
During her childhood, Sibylle and her family embarked on numerous trips throughout Europe, Malaysia, and Morocco, allowing her to nurture and develop her artistic creativity. These diverse cultural experiences undoubtedly had a significant influence on her work as an artist later in life.
In the 1980s, Szaggars moved to London to advance her career by exploring the vibrant art world of the city. This not only offered her ample opportunities but also enriched her artistic perspective, honing her unique style and expression.
Artistic Practice
Sibylle Szaggars is a German-born multimedia environmental artist who has gained recognition in various parts of the world. Throughout her career, she has experimented with various artistic techniques, ranging from oil painting to performance art. With a deep connection to nature, many of her works reflect her passion for the environment and her desire to raise awareness about its fragility.
Szaggars’ artistic practice has evolved over the years as she explored different mediums, such as oil painting and watercolor abstracts. Oil paintings, in particular, have played a significant role in her body of work. An example of her mastery in this field is the masterpiece, Shape of Color, which she created collaboratively with celebrated painter Nina Kotova. This large-scale painting is recognized as one of the largest oil paintings in the world and showcases Szaggars’ undeniable skill in this medium.
In addition to her oil paintings, Szaggars has also gained recognition for her watercolor abstracts, which often feature natural elements. Inspired by the beauty of rain and its impact on the environment, she has developed a unique style of painting called “Rain Painting.” This technique involves the use of natural rainfall to create visually stunning works of art, making each piece a one-of-a-kind testament to the power of nature.
Alongside her traditional artistic pursuits, Szaggars has ventured into the realm of performance art to create an immersive experience that pays homage to the Earth. One of her most notable works in this genre, The Way of the Rain, is a multimedia performance piece created in collaboration with video artist Floyd Thomas Mcbee. This production combines live painting, musical performances, and video projections to evoke the feeling of rainfall and its significance in our natural world.
Sibylle Szaggars’ artistic practice is diverse, reflecting her genuine passion for the environment and her commitment to raising awareness using various creative channels. With a combination of traditional and innovative techniques, she uses her artistic talents to engage audiences and inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Earth and its precious resources.
Career Highlights
Sibylle Szaggars is a multimedia environmental artist with an impressive career spanning over three decades. Born in Hamburg, Germany, Szaggars’ unique approach to art combines traditional painting methods with modern technology and interactive performance elements, earning her international acclaim.
Over the years, Szaggars has had her work exhibited in prestigious galleries and venues across the globe. She made her mark on the art scene early in her career when she showcased her work at the renowned Red Carpet Gallery in Germany. This marked the beginning of a series of notable exhibitions, a testament to her undeniable talent and dedication to her craft.
In 2000, Szaggars collaborated with acclaimed German producer Friedrich Kurz, creating stunning visuals for the International Classical Music Festival held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event was a celebration of music and the arts, with Szaggars’ work adding a unique and captivating backdrop to the world-class performances.
Szaggars’ artistic endeavors continued to gain momentum, leading her to the picturesque town of Cortona, Italy. In 2014, her work was exhibited at the Cortona On The Move International Photography Festival, showcasing her innovative Rain Paintings, which involved a process that incorporated natural elements such as rainwater and pigments on large canvasses.
One of Szaggars’ most celebrated collaborations was with accomplished painter and cellist Nina Kotova. The two artists joined forces to create “Shape of Color”, one of the largest oil paintings in the world. This groundbreaking piece garnered widespread attention and appreciation from both critics and the public alike.
Throughout Sibylle Szaggars’ distinguished career, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the world of art and her insatiable desire to innovate and inspire. With an impressive portfolio and a plethora of accolades, Szaggars continues to make waves in the international art scene.
Relationships and Family
Sibylle Szaggars, a multimedia environmental artist, is best known for her marriage to renowned actor, director, and producer Robert Redford. Born in Hamburg, Germany, Szaggars spent her childhood traveling across Europe, Morocco, and Malaysia.
In the late 1990s, Szaggars met Redford at his Sundance Mountain Resort, which he founded. The couple eventually tied the knot in 2009, marking Redford’s second marriage. Prior to his relationship with Szaggars, Redford was married to Lola Van Wagenen from 1958 to 1985, before their divorce.
During his first marriage, Redford had four children with Van Wagenen. Their children include Shauna Jean, Amy Hart, Scott Anthony, and James Redford. The Redford children have largely maintained private lives, although some have followed in their father’s footsteps and pursued careers in the film industry.
Throughout their marriage, Szaggars and Redford have continued to work on their respective artistic endeavors while supporting each other’s passions. They have remained together for over a decade, showcasing a strong bond and commitment to their relationship.
Environmental Advocacy
Sibylle Szaggars Redford is a German-born multimedia environmental artist who is passionate about protecting the environment and raising awareness of unsound environmental practices. She has spent nearly four decades dedicating her life’s work to creating art that transcends words, languages, cultures, and politics.
Her environmental activism is not only expressed through her artwork but also through her collaborative efforts alongside her husband, actor and director Robert Redford. The couple is well known for their commitment to environmental causes, often working together to advocate for the preservation of the planet.
One of Sibylle Szaggars Redford’s most notable projects is the creation of the Way of the Rain Foundation. This nonprofit organization focuses on bringing attention to climate change and its effects on weather patterns. Through this foundation, Sibylle creates environmental performances and presentations that educate people about climate change and inspire them to take action.
The emotional impact and urgency of her message are further emphasized by the thoughtful integration of visual and multimedia elements in her performances. These events aim to raise consciousness about the environment and our connection to life, the land, and the world. It is clear that her dedication to environmental causes is deeply personal and not just limited to her professional career as an artist.
Sibylle Szaggars Redford’s passion for the environment stems, in part, from her love for her grandchildren and concern for their future. She believes that by taking care of the environment today, we can ensure a more sustainable world for future generations. Overall, her talent and passion in environmental advocacy make her an influential figure in using artistic expression to raise awareness and inspire change.
Interaction with Other Artists
Sibylle Szaggars is closely connected with various renowned artists across multiple disciplines. They collaborate with her in creating thought-provoking environmental performances and projects, allowing her to fully express her passion for the environment and art.
One noteworthy collaboration came in the form of a multimedia performance titled “The Way of the Rain,” which featured the remarkable talent of several artists. English singer-songwriter Sting provided vocals and narrative, enhancing the overall presentation and echoing its thematic sentiments.
Icelandic pianist David Thor Jonsson, drummer Will Calhoun, cellist Dave Eggar, and percussionist Chuck Palmer were essential in bringing the music in “The Way of the Rain” to life. Their expert musicianship added depth to the environmental message and helped propel the audience on an auditory journey.
In addition to this stellar lineup of musicians, the production featured the brilliant choreographer Desmond Richardson. His stunning discipline in the art of dance was a vital element, enabling the audience to experience the environmental message through bodily movement—all serving to amplify the sensory impact of the performance.
A distinct element of “The Way of the Rain” was the incorporation of Spoken Word, elevating the art form within the context of the performance and contributing to the atmosphere. This combination of distinct artistic fields allowed for the expression of a multifaceted narrative and a stronger emotional connection with the audience.
Finally, light played a significant role in the presentation. With well-crafted lighting design, the various elements such as dance, music, and spoken word were beautifully showcased and accentuated. The interplay of light helped weave the individual expressions into a cohesive tapestry, creating a profound visual impact.
Through these creative interactions with prominent artists, Sibylle Szaggars has been able to communicate her environmental message in unique and compelling ways, ensuring that her artistic voice reaches a wider audience, and resonates with those who share her passion for the world around us.
Media and Public Appearances
Sibylle Szaggars is a German-born multimedia artist who has had a successful career in the art world. While she is well recognized for her artwork, Sibylle has also made a few public appearances alongside her husband, Robert Redford, a renowned actor, director, and producer in the American cinema.
Robert Redford has had an illustrious career spanning over six decades, receiving various awards, including an Oscar for Best Director for the film “Ordinary People.” He is also widely recognized for his roles in movies like “The Natural” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” As a beloved figure in American Cinema, Redford has often been invited to attend film festivals and award ceremonies, such as the Academy Awards.
As Redford’s wife, Sibylle Szaggars has accompanied him to several high-profile events, including the Venice Film Festival. Although Sibylle has not had a direct career in film as an actress, director, or producer, her involvement in the art world has brought her public recognition and engagement with the media. Her artistic focus lies primarily in painting and multimedia installations, often drawing inspiration from environmental topics and raising awareness for social and ecological issues.
