Harvey J. Bott

Harvey J. Bott, an inspirational and cherished artist passed away on June 30, 2025, at the age of 91 in Houston, TX. Harvey lived a life full of purpose and creativity. Born to John and Linda Bott on December 28, 1933, in Gill, Colorado, Harvey lived a life full of purpose and creativity.

A proud army veteran, Harvey served his country during the Korean War, demonstrating his dedication and bravery. It was during his time in the military that he first came to prominence as an artist. In the mid 1950s whilst in Germany and France Harvey worked as a propaganda analyst for the United States Army. After his military service, he continued to pursue his passion for art, becoming a self described "Baroque Minimalist" who inspired many with his unique vision and creativity.

He has shown his work in hundreds of exhibitions, ranging from a bus station in Utah in 1952, to major galleries, art centers and museums in New York, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Dusseldorf and Mexico City, as well as many other locations worldwide. His work has been shown in over 75 solo exhibitions, 16 solo ROBOTT performances, 24 solo in-situ installations, and more than 700 group gallery exhibitions, including 330 invitational survey shows. His work can be found in over 60 public, museum, city and university collections, and more than 120 corporate collections. Harvey completed over 20 commissions for various government entities and over 160 private and corporate commissions during his career.

During his career Harvey became a singular figure in the world of abstract art, known best for his groundbreaking Displacement-of-Volume concept - developed in 1972 - a conceptual system that informed his distinctive geometric abstractions, marked by vivid color, layered textures, and a rigorous formal logic. His innovative approach combined mathematical precision with a deep engagement in materiality, resulting in works that are both conceptually rich and visually dynamic.

In his later years HJ exhibited at Sicardi Gallery and then he held a long and meaningful relationship with the Anya Tish Gallery. The gallery proudly championed his work, recognizing that Bott’s presence in the gallery was not only that of a pioneering artist, but also of a friend, mentor, and unwavering creative force. His many successful exhibitions at the gallery reflected his relentless curiosity, his commitment to formal exploration, and his generosity of spirit.

Harvey is preceded by his parents John and Linda Bott; his parent’s in law Wayne L and Margaret Deats; and his daughter Gretchen Bott George.

Harvey is survived by his beloved wife Margaret Bott; his son-in-law Jeffrey George and his wife Kimberly; cousins Angela Belcher, PhD, and Jack Belcher and; and his long-time friend Earl Staley.

Harvey J. Bott will be remembered for his inspirational spirit and the joy he brought to those around him. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and through the countless collectors, fellow artists, and admirers who were touched by his art and kindness.

A Send Off Celebration Will be held at The Houston Saengerbund, located at 1703 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77008, on July 12, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

The internment will take place at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, on July 16, 2025, at 10:30 am.

A gathering of friends and collectors of HJBott will be on July 16 from 1-3 pm at the Anya Tish Gallery, 4411 Montrose Blvd. Houston, TX 77006.

Donations in memory of Harvey can be made to the charity of your choice or Good Shepherd Hospice of Houston Foundation Att: Peggy 1120 East NASA Parkway, Suite 205 Houston, TX 77058 as memorial to Harvey J. Bott or The Orange Show Electronic Robot Program mail your check to: Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, PO Box 230309, Houston, TX 77223