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In Memorium: Who The Art World Lost In 2024

The end comes for us all – irrespective of caste, creed, color, or stature. But legacy is what endures even beyond the grave. This year too the art world lost several talents and luminaries. Let’s try to commemorate their lives and times.

Richard Serra

The Minimalism era of the 1970s in New York faced the heaviest blow this year. Frank Stella, the avant-garde for Minimalism (before himself moving towards maximalism) died at the age of 87 in May. He is most well-known for his “Black paintings” in the 50s. Richard Serra, a Minimalist sculptor, died in March at 85. He was most well-known for creating simple but huge sculptures. Carl Andre, another leading figure in the Minimalist movement, died in January at the age of 88. Jackie Windsor, who also worked alongside the Minimalists in the 70s, died in September at 82. Windsor was most known for her labor-intensive sculptures.

Faith Ringgold

Perhaps the biggest name we lost in 2024 was Barbara Gladstone, one of the most influential gallerists in the US. Founder of the Gladstone Gallery, she died in June at 89. Another influential gallerist lost in 2024 was Kasper König who died at 80 in August. König is known for founding Skulptor Projekte Munster and Portikus Museum, as well as directing the Museum Ludwig. Faith Ringgold, the trailblazer who presented the perspectives of Black women to the wider world, also died at the age of 93 in April.

Also Read: How Art Scene In Asia Fared In 2024

There were some unfortunate, untimely deaths as well. English painter Sarah Cunningham was found dead in November at the age of 31 after she went missing for days. New York gallerist Brent Sikkema died in January at 75 after he was found stabbed in his Rio di Janeiro apartment.