Raquel Rabinovich, a renowned artist known for her subtle monochromatic paintings, works on paper, and sculptures, passed away on January 5 at the age of 95 in her home in Rhinebeck, New York. The Raquel Rabinovich Art Trust confirmed her death due to cancer.
Born in 1929 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Rabinovich was raised in CĂłrdoba and studied under various artists before embarking on a journey across Europe. She eventually settled in the United States with her husband and children, where she joined the American Abstract Artists group and began to explore the concept of the “dark source” in her work.
Rabinovich’s art was characterized by palimpsestic abstract paintings that seemed to emanate light from within, creating an otherworldly effect on the viewer. Her series, such as the “Dimension Five” series from 1969-1974, showcased her meticulous layering of materials like oil, pencil, and wax to create a sense of memory and depth.
Throughout her career, Rabinovich delved deeper into the spiritual and natural world, drawing inspiration from her practice of Vipassana meditation and travels to South and Southeast Asia. Her site-specific installations, such as “Point/Counterpoint” at Lincoln Center in Manhattan, reflected her exploration of hidden knowledge and wisdom in the world.
In the 2000s, Rabinovich’s focus shifted to the Hudson River and the natural environment surrounding her home in Rhinebeck. Her “Emergences” series featured stone sculptures installed along the riverbanks, hidden and revealed by the tides. Additionally, her “River Library” series, which consisted of mud adhered to scrolls of Essindia paper, paid homage to ancient clay tablets and the primordial source of inspiration she sought.
Rabinovich’s work has been recognized with the Lee Krasner Award for Lifetime Achievement and is held in prestigious museum collections around the world. Her legacy as an artist who bridged the gap between the material and spiritual realms lives on through her artworks and the impact she had on the art world.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving behind a rich legacy of art that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. Raquel Rabinovich’s unique vision and exploration of the hidden depths of the world will be greatly missed, but her influence on the art world will endure for generations to come.
