The ‘In Memoriam’ section is dedicated to remembering those we have recently lost in the art community. This reflective piece is published every Wednesday afternoon.
Dóra Maurer, a Hungarian neo-avant-garde artist born in 1937, left a profound impact on the art world through her work in graphic arts, photography, films, and paintings. Her exploration of movement and displacement themes has led her pieces to be featured in renowned collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Tate Modern, and more.
Alan Burgess, who passed away in 2026, was a British painter and educator known for his repeated depictions of subjects such as trees and views from polymath John Ruskin’s bedroom. His notable works include a grid of 50 trees painted in 2002 for Queen Elizabeth’s golden jubilee. Even after retiring, he continued to influence others by conducting art classes.
Bill DeBrooke, affectionately dubbed the ‘mayor’ of Harlingen, Texas, in 2026, was committed to revitalizing the town’s downtown. He was known for his support of artists, providing them with affordable studio spaces and collecting their works, thus encouraging the growth of alternative art spaces.
Aleksandr Dotsenko, a Ukrainian jewelry artist born in 1960, faced imprisonment following his anti-war protests in 2024 in the Leningrad region. Prior to his incarceration, he was a retiree and jewelry artist residing near St. Petersburg, Russia.
David Harding, recognized as the town artist of Glenrothes, Scotland, and an educator until his passing in 2026, drew inspiration from Diego Rivera. Harding integrated art into the fabric of everyday life and played a significant role in the town’s planning department. He also taught at the Glasgow School of Art, mentoring notable artists like Eduardo Paolozzi and Richard Demarco.
Caroline Hands, a British artist and community member who died in 2026, was instrumental in running community art projects and workshops across London, West Midlands, and Herefordshire. She championed a non-hierarchical approach to art and showcased her works in galleries across the UK and China.
David Hose, a mural artist from Monroe, Washington, who passed in 2026, transformed the city’s walls with vibrant realist murals depicting cowboy vignettes, pit crews, and midcentury American scenes.
Carol Ivey, a Texas artist and educator who died in 2026, significantly contributed to the art scenes in Austin and Fort Worth. As a founding member of the Women and Their Work art space, she was known for her abstract paintings and portraits, and she taught at what is now the Contemporary Austin.
Raffaello LaMantia, an artist and teacher from Provincetown who passed in 2026, spent decades teaching various art forms in Chicago. He was a vocal advocate for marriage equality, known for his landscapes, and exhibited work globally from Provincetown to Germany.
David McNeil, a Scottish photographer and picture editor who died in 2026, had a career spanning roles as a commercial photographer, assistant to artist John Stephens Orr, official photographer for Rangers Football Club, and chief photographer for the Sunday Mail.
Ashley Stewart Rödder, who passed away in 2026, was a director at Gagosian, celebrated for her advocacy for artists like Stanley Whitney, Titus Kaphar, and Deana Lawson. Her career included positions at Salon 94 and David Zwirner Gallery.
Albert Scherbarth, an iconoclastic Dallas artist who died in 2026, was known for his diverse works in prints, furniture, and metalwork. He played a pivotal role in transforming the Cedars district in Dallas into a vibrant art hub.
Denys Short, a Welsh sculptor, painter, and educator, passed away in 2026. He was celebrated for his portrayals of South Wales’ industrial landscapes and taught at various institutions, including Goldsmiths’ College School of Art.
Peter Stämpfli, a Swiss Pop artist who died in 2026, gained fame for his sculptures, paintings, and mixed-media works featuring tires. He represented Switzerland at the 1967 São Paulo Biennale and the 1970 Venice Biennale, with his works housed in prestigious institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the Pompidou in Paris.
Raimonds Staprans, a painter born in 1926, captured the unique light of San Francisco through his still lifes and landscapes. The Latvian artist was awarded the Order of the Three Stars in 2003 and a presidential medal in 2024.
Isaiah Zagar, a mosaic artist from Philadelphia who passed in 2026, left a legacy with over 200 murals, including the iconic Magic Gardens, an outdoor gallery. His work is displayed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and other venues.
