The Manhattan art dealer Brent Sikkema, who represented prominent artists like Kara Walker, Jeffrey Gibson and Vik Muniz, was found dead in his Rio de Janeiro apartment on Monday night. Brazilian publications reported that the gallerist, who helped found Sikkema Jenkins & Co., was discovered with stab wounds to his body after the local Fire Department was called to his apartment in the neighborhood of Jardim Botânico. “It is with great sadness that the gallery announces the passing of our beloved founder,” Meg Malloy and Michael Jenkins, his business partners, said in a statement. “The gallery grieves this tremendous loss and will continue on in his spirit.”The Brazilian police did not immediately respond to a request for comment. “Officers will listen to witnesses, are looking for more information and are carrying out other inquiries to shed light on the case,” the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro State said in a statement to The Associated Press.

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Persons: Brent Sikkema, Kara Walker, Jeffrey Gibson, Vik Muniz, Sikkema Jenkins, ” Meg Malloy, Michael Jenkins, “ Organizations: Co, Fire Department, Civil Police, Associated Press Locations: Manhattan, Rio de Janeiro, Jardim Botânico