Art Guys legend Michael Galbreth dies

Michael Galbreth in the Art Guys’ office in 2016. Michael Galbreth in the Art Guys’ office in 2016. Photo: Molly Glentzer / Houston Chronicle Photo: Molly Glentzer / Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Art Guys legend Michael Galbreth dies 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Michael Galbreth, part of Houston’s legendary duo known as the Art Guys, died Saturday of complications from emergency surgery earlier last week for an aortic dissection. He was 63.

Galbreth and his artistic partner Jack Massing were known for their unorthodox approach known as “super serious playtime,” meaning they staged activities and made objects that challenged notions of what art could be. They once ate at Denny's for 24 hours and invited people to watch. Their work also included "The Statue of Four Lies," a pair of bronze statues of themselves at the University of Houston, and "Video Ring," an installation on monitors at Terminal E of Bush Intercontinental Airport.

For more on his long career as well as photos, go to www.houstonchronicle.com