Paying Tribute to Recently Departed Artists and Designers
In Memoriam is a weekly feature that commemorates the lives of creative individuals who have recently passed away. This week, we remember the following artists and designers:
Pedro Friedeberg (1936–2026)
Pedro Friedeberg, a renowned Mexican artist and designer, was known for his surreal creations that featured a blend of body parts and animals. He gained widespread recognition for his iconic Hand Chair, showcasing his unique style and artistic vision. Though often associated with the Mexican Surrealist movement, Friedeberg preferred to forge his own path in the art world.
Thaddeus Mosley (1926–2026)
Thaddeus Mosley, a beloved sculptor from Pittsburgh, was celebrated for his carved figures made from salvaged wood. Drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as Isamu Noguchi and jazz music, Mosley described his creative process as “sculptural improvisation.” His work was exhibited across the United States and abroad, leaving a lasting impact on the art community.
Liliana Angulo Cortés (1974–2026)
Liliana Angulo Cortés, a Colombian artist, educator, and museum director, delved into themes of memory, power, and Afro-Colombian identity through her sculptures, installations, and photography. Her exploration of braided hair designs within the African diaspora was particularly noteworthy. As the director of the Museo Nacional de Colombia in Bogotá, Cortés made significant contributions to the cultural landscape of her country.
Umberto Allemandi (1938–2026)
Umberto Allemandi, an Italian publisher and editor of art magazines, played a pivotal role in promoting art and culture through publications such as Il Giornale dell’Arte and The Art Newspaper. His dedication to the dissemination of artistic knowledge left a lasting legacy in the field of art journalism.
Christian Astuguevieille (1946–2026)
Christian Astuguevieille, a French artist known for his unconventional use of materials, created whimsical objects like hairy cabinets and rope-wrapped furniture. His artistic endeavors extended to the realm of perfume design for renowned fashion houses like Comme des Garçons. Astuguevieille’s multidisciplinary approach and inventive spirit set him apart in the art world.
chi too (1981–2026)
chi too, a Malaysian artist with a penchant for research-driven and satirical work, showcased his creative range through experimental music, performances, and public art projects. His humorous and poetic expressions resonated with audiences across Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, and beyond, leaving a lasting impression on the contemporary art scene.
Ivan Hall (1933–2026)
Ivan Hall, a British architectural historian specializing in neoclassical architecture and historic preservation, dedicated his career to the study of renowned architects and craftsmen such as John Carr and Thomas Chippendale. As an educator and advisor, Hall’s expertise shaped the understanding and appreciation of architectural heritage in the United Kingdom.
Noel Mayo (1937–2026)
Noel Mayo, an industrial designer, educator, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), broke barriers in the design industry by becoming the first Black head of an industrial design firm and college department chair in the U.S. His efforts to champion diversity and mentor aspiring designers of color had a profound impact on the field, shaping the next generation of creative professionals.
Victoria MacKenzie-Childs (1948–2026)
Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, a whimsical ceramic artist and co-founder of the iconic home goods company MacKenzie-Childs, left a mark on the world of design with her unique and imaginative creations. Her distinctive designs, showcased at the company’s flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York City, captured the hearts of art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Gael Stack (1941–2026)
Gael Stack, a painter and educator known for exploring the nuances of experience, created captivating works that delved into the “gaps, sinkholes, and chasms” of human existence. Her evocative paintings and drawings, exhibited in prestigious venues like the Guggenheim Museum and Yale University Art Gallery, reflected her introspective approach to art-making.
Philip Trusttum (1940–2026)
Philip Trusttum, a leading figurative and expressionist painter from New Zealand, translated everyday experiences into vibrant and expressive works on unstretched canvases. His artistry resonated across New Zealand and internationally, showcasing his unique perspective and artistic talent to a global audience.
Ken Turnell (d. 2026)
Ken Turnell, a British sculptor and educator, played a pivotal role in establishing the Grizedale Sculpture Park in Cumbria and sharing his artistic vision with students at institutions like Central Saint Martins. His sculptural works, exhibited in prestigious galleries like the Serpentine Gallery and Whitechapel Gallery, exemplified his dedication to art education and public engagement.
Tatjana Wood (1926–2026)
Tatjana Wood, a celebrated comic book colorist known for her work on iconic series like Swamp Thing and Animal Man for DC Comics, left an indelible mark on the comic book industry. Her exceptional talent and artistic vision earned her numerous accolades and a place in the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards hall of fame, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the field.
