Chuck Close, renowned photorealist painter, dies at age 81

NEW YORK — Chuck Close, the artist whose giant photorealist paintings entranced viewers, died Thursday. He was 81. Close died at a hospital in Oceanside, his lawyer John Silberman confirmed. His cause of death was not announced. In 2017 and 2018, multiple women who had worked with Close said he harassed them while on the job, and at least one of his exhibitions was canceled as a result. Close apologized, saying, “If I embarrassed anyone or made them feel uncomfortable, I am truly sorry.” Close’s work appeared throughout the five boroughs, from subway stations to tony art installations. “It’s r...