In Memoriam is a weekly tribute to those we have recently lost in the art world. This week, we remember the following individuals:
Iris Cantor (1931–2026)
Iris Cantor, an arts patron and chairwoman of the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, generously donated hundreds of millions to arts, medical, and educational institutions. She was renowned for her extensive private collection of sculptures by Auguste Rodin.
Rena Bransten (1933–2026)
Rena Bransten, a San Francisco gallerist, played a pivotal role in shaping the art scene in San Francisco for over five decades through her eponymous gallery. She focused on promoting California-based artists, especially individuals of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Mario Buhagiar (1945–2026)
Mario Buhagiar, a Maltese art historian and educator, founded the art history department at the University of Malta. He was a prolific writer on various art topics, including Maltese early Christian art, medieval art, and the Knights of St. John.
Jacopo Camagni (1977–2026)
Jacopo Camagni, an Italian comic artist, was known for creating several acclaimed comics such as Lupin II Millennium and Nomen Omen. He also worked with Marvel on titles like Hawkeye vs. Deadpool and X-Men Red.
Paul Conroy (1964–2026)
Paul Conroy, a British war photographer, covered conflict zones in the Balkans, Syria, Ukraine, Libya, and more. He gained recognition for his coverage of the siege of Homs in Syria, which was later depicted in the film A Private War.
Zach Horn (d. 2026)
Zach Horn, an interdisciplinary artist and educator, showcased labor unions and ordinary objects in his artwork. He exhibited his works in galleries and museums across the United States and internationally. He also taught painting at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Hwang Jae-hyung (1952–2026)
Hwang Jae-hyung, a Korean “miner painter,” was a prominent figure in Korean realism known for his paintings of coal mining sites. He had a solo exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul.
Ulysses Jenkins (1946–2026)
Ulysses Jenkins, an avant-garde video artist and educator, drew inspiration from West African oral historians. He studied under Charles White and held a major retrospective at the Hammer Museum.
Stephen Koch (1941–2026)
Stephen Koch, an author and executor of Peter Hujar’s estate, contributed significantly to preserving Hujar’s legacy in American art. He wrote several books, including a study on Andy Warhol.
Fenwick Lawson (1932–2026)
Fenwick Lawson, a British sculptor and educator, was known for his use of scrap metal in neo-brutalist sculptures and figurative wood carvings of saints. He taught sculpture at colleges in Newcastle upon Tyne and exhibited his works in various galleries and churches.
Jasmine Little (1984–2026)
Jasmine Little, a ceramic artist and painter based in Los Angeles, created large-scale works combining graphic patterns, text, and imagery. She exhibited her works in galleries like Night Gallery and Marianne Boesky Gallery.
Satoshi Mori (1984–2026)
Satoshi Mori, a Japanese animator and president of Gift-o’-Animation studio, directed or contributed to popular anime series such as Cardfight!! Vanguard, Sword Art Online 2, and One-Punch Man.
Giancarlo Politi (1937–2026)
Giancarlo Politi, an Italian art critic and founder of Flash Art, played a significant role in shaping contemporary art through various initiatives like biennials and the publication Flash Art.
Asher Remy-Toledo (1963–2026)
Asher Remy-Toledo, a transdisciplinary arts worker, developed diverse projects in visual art, sound, and performance. He mentored at the New Museum’s tech and design incubator and curated exhibitions at spaces like Hyphen Hub.
G.G. Santiago (1943–2026)
G.G. Santiago, the creator of Rainbow Brite, a beloved animated television show and feature film, left a colorful legacy in the world of animation.
Jean Widmer (1939–2026)
Jean Widmer, a French-Swiss graphic artist, is remembered for immortalizing France’s monuments through road signs and logos. He is best known for designing the Pompidou Center’s logo and signage.
We pay tribute to these remarkable individuals who have left a lasting impact on the art world. May their contributions continue to inspire future generations of artists and art enthusiasts.
