In Memoriam
This week, we pay tribute to several artists who have recently passed away. From an Irish colorist to a Senegalese sculptor and members of the Florida Highwaymen, their contributions to the art world will be remembered and celebrated.
Richard Gorman (1946–2026) was known for his subtly playful paintings and works on paper that explored the interplay of geometric forms. Influenced by his time in Milan and his travels to Japan to produce handmade kozo washi paper, Gorman’s art was a unique blend of cultural influences.
Roberta Fallon (1949–2025) was a champion of Philadelphia artists and co-founder of the arts publication Artblog. She was also a founding member of Philadelphia Sculptors and an adjunct faculty member at Saint Joseph’s University, where she sought to provide more opportunities for local artists.
Seyni Awa Camara (1945–2026), a Senegalese sculptor from the Jola ethnic group, created ceramic works that explored themes of childbearing and spirituality. Drawing inspiration from her mother and divine intuition, Camara’s distorted faces in her sculptures served as a response to our indifference towards our ancestors.
Evelyn Karet (1937–2026), an Italian Renaissance scholar and educator, specialized in Italian Renaissance drawings and taught at various institutions, leaving a lasting impact on her students and the art community.
Lorena Levi (1997–2026), a British narrative portraitist, painted everyday people and delved into personal experiences with cystic fibrosis and pancreatic cancer through her art, following in the tradition of artists like Alice Neel and Frida Kahlo.
Robert L. Lewis, Jr. (1941–2026) and Willie “Bill” Reagan (1939–2026) were both members of the Florida Highwaymen, a group of self-taught Black landscape artists. Lewis, an illustrator for Boeing, was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame for his contributions to the art world, while Reagan, a retired art teacher, sold his work on the road and in front of new residences.
Koula Savvidou (1959–2026), a sculptor, explored themes of motherhood, memory, and loss through her sculptures and assemblages, using a variety of materials to convey her message.
Björn Roth (1961–2026), part of a family art dynasty, collaborated with his father and brother in creating art that dealt with material and bodily decay. In addition to his work as an abstract watercolor painter, Roth co-founded an art center and retreat in Seydisfjördur, Iceland, leaving behind a legacy of artistic exploration and experimentation.
These artists may no longer be with us, but their contributions to the art world will continue to inspire and influence future generations of artists and art lovers. Let us remember and celebrate their lives and work, honoring their legacy in the world of art.
