In Memoriam
In Memoriam is a weekly tribute to those we have recently lost in the art world.
Henrike Naumann (1984–2026)
Henrike Naumann, born in East Germany just before the fall of the Berlin Wall, was known for her work that reflected on reunification. She used furniture, found objects, and mass-produced home goods from the era to convey ideologies and social truths. Tragically, she passed away from cancer just months before she was set to co-represent Germany at the upcoming Venice Biennale alongside artist Sung Tieu. Her dedication to her art was evident as she worked on her project until the very end. Naumann’s work has been exhibited at prestigious institutions such as SculptureCenter and the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw.
William Buggel (1939–2026)
William Buggel was a celebrated abstract expressionist painter from South Carolina. Aside from his painting, he was also known for his photography work, capturing live performances of renowned artists like Luciano Pavarotti and Ella Fitzgerald. Buggel’s contribution to the art world extended to his roles at the Columbia Museum of Art and Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston.
Eric Cameron (1935–2026)
Eric Cameron, a Canadian conceptual artist, painter, video artist, and educator, left a lasting impact on the art community. Known for his Thick Paintings that involved layering gesso on everyday objects, Cameron dedicated decades to teaching at institutions like the University of Guelph and the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.
Jay Levenson (1948–2026)
Jay Levenson, the director of the international program at the Museum of Modern Art, was committed to fostering global perspectives on contemporary art. Serving in this role since 1996, Levenson played a vital role in shaping the museum’s international outreach efforts.
LaMonte McLemore (1935–2026)
LaMonte McLemore, a photographer and founding member of the 5th Dimension music group, was a multifaceted artist. In addition to his music career, McLemore worked as a medical photographer for the Navy and captured iconic images of musicians like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. His contributions to publications like Harper’s Bazaar, Ebony, and Jet solidified his place in the photography world.
Guillermo Monroy Becerril (1924–2026)
Guillermo Monroy Becerril, a muralist and prominent figure in Mexican art, was a disciple of Frida Kahlo and an assistant to Diego Rivera. His art, charged with social struggle, can be seen in venues such as the Palace of Fine Arts and the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Studio House Museum in Mexico City. His legacy was further recognized when he received the Gold Fine Arts Medal in Visual Arts from the Mexican government in 2024.
Kim Gi-soon (1920–2026)
Kim Gi-soon, known for supporting her husband, abstract art master Yoo Young-guk, played a crucial role in his artistic journey. While Young-guk focused on his art, Gi-soon managed the household and served as the primary breadwinner. Her dedication and support were instrumental in Young-guk’s success as an artist.
Robin Nicholson (1960–2026)
Robin Nicholson, a museum director and scholar, made significant contributions to the art world through his leadership roles. Serving as the executive director of the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg, Florida, Nicholson also delved into scholarly research on 18th-century Stuart courts in Paris and Rome. His expertise extended to institutions like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Frick Pittsburgh Museum.
Paul Sample (1947–2026)
Paul Sample, a British cartoonist and illustrator, made his mark through creations like the cartoon strip Ogri. His illustrations adorned covers of paperback books and posters for prominent organizations like the BBC and the British Post Office, showcasing his versatile talent in the art world.
John Sokol (1947–2026)
John Sokol, a painter from South Carolina renowned for his unique technique involving tarring and varnishing, left a lasting impact on the art scene. His work, characterized by this signature method, can be seen in prestigious institutions like the Akron Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, and the Canton Art Museum.
Robert Tinney (1947–2026)
Robert Tinney, an illustrator whose style became synonymous with the early days of computing, made significant contributions to the tech industry. His artwork graced computing publications like BYTE magazine, leaving an indelible mark on the aesthetics of early computing.
Frederick Wiseman (1930–2026)
Frederick Wiseman, a renowned documentary filmmaker, captured the essence of social and cultural institutions through his films. Documentaries like National Gallery shed light on institutions like the London Museum, showcasing Wiseman’s talent for portraying the intricacies of institutional life. His work has been showcased at esteemed museums like the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and the Museum of Modern Art.
