Larry Zox (American, 1937–2006) was a painter who was born in Des Moines, IA, to Oscar and Mildred Zox. Many classified him as an Abstract artist, but he considered himself to be a Colorist. Zox attended the University of Oklahoma, Drake University, and the Des Moines Art Center. While attending the Des Moines Art Center, he studied under Figurative artist George Grosz (German, 1893–1959). Zox relocated to New York in 1958 and became a part of the prominent art scene in downtown Manhattan.
The artist later moved to Colchester, CT. From 1959 to 1962, he completed a collection of collages that consisted of painted pieces of paper that were stapled to joined plywood. In 1963, he began working on his Rotation series, which consisted of geometric shapes and bright colors. His work has been shown in numerous individual and group exhibits around the world. Venues that have featured his work include the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Rocket Gallery in London. While living in New York, Zox managed a studio on 20th Street that became a popular gathering spot for artists, musicians, boxers, and bikers. Since Zox was a large man, he often sparred with fighters who visited the studio. He later owned and managed a studio in East Hampton, NY.
Zox received a variety of grants and awards for his work. He was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1967, and he received a grant from the National Council of the Arts in 1969. He also received a grant from the Adolph Gottlieb Foundation in 1985. Zox died of cancer at the age of 69 in 2006. He was survived by his wife, Sha King Zox, his two children from his first marriage, Melinda and Alexander, and his sister and brother, Susan Zox-Smith and Alan Zox.