During the recent Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in Omaha, guests staying at the Omaha Marriott were greeted by a 24-inch tall bronze bust sculpture of the late Charlie Munger. As a preferred lodging choice for Berkshire Hathaway shareholders and investors, the hotel was abuzz with conversations about the sculpture, which became a focal point in the lobby. Munger, who passed away at the age of 99 in November, was a revered figure in the investment world and the longtime partner of Warren Buffett, whose headquarters are located in Omaha.
A Special Tribute
The bronze bust, created by artist Yu Shu, was not only a work of art but also a heartfelt tribute to Charlie Munger. The sculpture, accompanied by glasses of champagne and brochures, caught the attention of numerous Berkshire shareholders passing through the lobby. Among them were Munger’s daughter Wendy and his longtime executive assistant, Doerthe Obert, who both expressed admiration for the artwork. Yu Shu, the artist behind the sculpture, shared a touching moment with Obert, who had provided her with close-up shots of Munger’s profile to ensure the accuracy of the sculpture’s facial details.
Yu Shu, a real estate agent turned artist and Berkshire Hathaway shareholder, found inspiration from Warren Buffett’s words at the 2022 annual meeting. Buffett’s advice, “If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life,” resonated with Yu and motivated her to pursue her passion for art. Transforming her love for art and Berkshire Hathaway into a business endeavor, Yu embarked on the creation of bronze sculptures, starting with the iconic figure of Charlie Munger. Reflecting on her journey, Yu emphasized the similarities between creating bronze sculptures and value investing, citing the need for patience and persistence in both endeavors.
A Personal Tribute to a Hero
For Yu, Charlie Munger was more than just a subject for her sculpture – he was a personal hero. Growing up in Chengdu, China, and currently splitting her time between Denver and Taiwan, Yu’s admiration for Munger inspired her to create the bronze bust as a tribute to his legacy. The painstaking process of sculpting the bust, which took 12 months and multiple attempts to perfect, was a labor of love for Yu, reflecting her deep respect for Munger and his contributions to the world of investing.
At the conclusion of the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, a longtime shareholder of the company purchased the bronze bust of Charlie Munger that had graced the lobby of the Omaha Marriott. The buyer, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed a desire to gift the artwork to the Munger family as a token of admiration and respect. The sale of the sculpture not only marked a significant moment for Yu as an artist but also underscored the lasting impact of Charlie Munger on the investing community and beyond.
The bronze bust of Charlie Munger served as a symbol of reverence and admiration at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, capturing the essence of his legacy and the profound influence he had on countless individuals, including artists like Yu Shu. As investors and shareholders reflected on Munger’s contributions to the world of finance, the sculpture stood as a testament to his enduring spirit and wisdom, inspiring future generations to embrace the values of patience, persistence, and passion in their own pursuits.