Unfortunately, a Brazilian suspect was arrested for the horrible murder of Brent Sikkema, a 75-year-old New York City art dealer and co-owner of the famous Sikkema Jenkins & Co. gallery. On Monday, Sikkema was found dead in his Rio de Janeiro apartment with 18 stab wounds.
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Arrest Made in Shocking NYC Art Dealer Murder: Cuban Suspect Nabbed in Brazil After Fleeing Crime Scene
The Rio state police arrested Alejandro Triana Trevez in Uberaba, Minas Gerais. After fleeing, Cuban Trevez was found at a gas station. He allegedly stole $3,000 from Sikkema’s home. State police homicide section chief Felipe Curi said the inquiry is focused on theft leading to the homicide.
According to Curi, preliminary results show that Trevez traveled from Sao Paulo to commit the crime and then returned, suggesting he had privileged information. Authorities have issued Trevez a 30-day prison warrant to investigate other parts of the case, including if the victim and suspect had a prior relationship.
In 1991, art world figure Sikkema co-founded Sikkema Jenkins & Co., showing works by Jeffrey Gibson, Arturo Herrera, Sheila Hicks, Vik Muniz, and Kara Walker. His career began in Rochester’s Visual Studies Workshop in 1971, and he opened his first Boston gallery in 1976.
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Art World Mourns as Brazilian Arrest Sheds Light on NYC Dealer’s Tragic Death
The suspect’s motive for theft raises questions about Trevez and Sikkema’s relationship. It’s unnerving that Sikkema, an art community contributor, died tragically.
Brazilian artist Vik Muniz, whose work has been shown in Sikkema’s gallery, paid tribute to his “humanity” and his impact on his career. Muniz called Sikkema brave, courteous, and sophisticated, hiding his talent beneath modesty. The art world mourns Sikkema, whose influence transcended his gallery walls.
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