In Memoriam: Honoring Artists, Filmmakers, and Curators
Published every Wednesday afternoon, “In Memoriam” pays tribute to the recent losses in the art world. This week, we remember Lucia Di Luciano, Rosa von Praunheim, Kathleen Goncharov, John Axelrod, Guillermo Antonio Goñi Motilla, Cecilia Giménez, and Bob Monk.
Lucia Di Luciano (1933–2026)
A pioneering Italian painter, Lucia Di Luciano was a prominent figure in the Arte Programmata movement of the 1960s. Known for bringing the precision of mathematics to her expressive paintings, she created optically dazzling black and white grid works that showcased a continuous transformation. Di Luciano continued to paint well into her 90s, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and captivating art.
Rosa von Praunheim (1942–2025)
An avant-garde filmmaker, Rosa von Praunheim was a leading figure in the New German Cinema movement. His boundary-pushing films, particularly his 1971 feature “It Is Not the Homosexual Who Is Perverse, but the Society in Which He Lives,” sparked important conversations about gay life in Germany. Von Praunheim’s work was instrumental in shaping the cultural landscape of the nation.
Kathleen Goncharov (1952–2025)
A respected art curator, Kathleen Goncharov served as the senior curator at the Boca Raton Museum of Art in Florida. With a career spanning over 40 years, she organized numerous impactful exhibitions and held prestigious roles such as United States Commissioner for the 50th Venice Biennale. Goncharov’s contributions to the art world were significant and enduring.
John Axelrod (1946–2026)
A devoted art collector and patron, John Axelrod was a longtime supporter of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Over the years, he donated approximately 900 works to the institution and built a personal collection focused on Black artists and artists of color. Axelrod’s passion for art and dedication to supporting diverse voices will be remembered fondly.
Guillermo Antonio Goñi Motilla (1956–2026)
A renowned Mexican archaeologist, Guillermo Antonio Goñi Motilla was a respected researcher and professor at the National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico. His contributions to the fields of history and archaeology, particularly regarding Maya life and culture on the Yucatán Peninsula, were invaluable and far-reaching.
Cecilia Giménez (1931–2025)
Spanish artist Cecilia Giménez gained worldwide attention for her restoration of a painting of Jesus in a Zaragoza church, which became known as the “Beast Jesus.” Despite the initial controversy surrounding her work, Giménez’s restoration turned into a cultural phenomenon that inspired countless individuals around the globe.
Bob Monk (1950–2025)
A respected New York gallerist, Bob Monk played a significant role in the art world. From his time at Castelli Graphics in the 1970s and ’80s to his tenure as a director at Gagosian gallery, Monk worked closely with artists like Ed Ruscha, leaving a lasting impact on the contemporary art scene.
As we remember these talented individuals, their contributions to the art world will continue to inspire and influence generations to come. May their legacies be celebrated and cherished.
