Renowned artist and archivist Agosto Machado, known for his unique and uncategorizable presence, passed away on March 21. Despite his reserved and introverted nature, he was a cherished fixture in New York’s downtown art community. Though I wasn’t part of his close circle, I admired him from afar, much like he described his feelings for his crush Joe D’Alessandro: “Join the club, I was at the end of the line.”
A memory that stands out is Agosto’s dual role as an artist and a chronicler of queer history. In 2009, we sought his assistance to connect with Mario Montez, a former “superstar” of Andy Warhol, for the second edition of LIVE FILM! JACK SMITH! Five Flaming Days in a Rented World in Berlin. This event, featuring over 50 international artists and academics, celebrated the legendary filmmaker Jack Smith. With Agosto’s help, we successfully persuaded Montez to join the keynote panel.
Through our discussions, Agosto shared intriguing personal histories, revealing that Mario and Jack were once lovers. This revelation was integral to the event’s narrative. Reflecting on this, Agosto was not only a secret keeper but a bridge to Mario’s reemergence into the public sphere, largely due to his quiet yet influential role.
I first encountered Agosto at the East Village’s Chandelier club in 1985, thanks to Uzi Parnes. It wasn’t until 2018 that I visited his apartment, known as “The Forbidden City.” The space was a treasure trove of artistic artifacts, a testament to Agosto’s life as a street queen who embraced the vibrant art scene of the ’60s Greenwich Village. His descriptions highlighted the seamless blend of art and everyday life during that era.
Unbeknownst to many, Agosto had been creating installations and memorials for years. His evolving concept of art embraced his expansive world. His annual holiday cards, featuring personal messages, were a hallmark of his enduring connections. In a conversation with Michael Bullock in 2024, Agosto expressed how the memories of friends continued to inspire him: “I’m experiencing a reflection of what was and what continues, until we meet again.”
