Chuck Close was an influential American artist celebrated for his photorealistic portraits. Born on July 5, 1940, in Monroe, Washington, Close overcame physical challenges, including severe dyslexia and partial paralysis due to a spinal artery collapse in 1988. Despite these obstacles, he developed a unique artistic approach, often creating large-scale portraits using grids and meticulous brushwork. Close's work blurred the line between photography and painting, pushing the boundaries of perception and representation. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to contemporary art. Close passed away on August 19, 2021, leaving behind a profound legacy in the art world.