Every Wednesday afternoon, our In Memoriam section pays tribute to notable figures in the art community who have recently passed away.
Éliane Radigue (1932–2026), a French experimental composer, was a pioneer in electronic music during the 1960s, utilizing feedback and tape loops. Her innovative compositions have been showcased at prestigious venues such as the San Francisco Art Institute and the New York Cultural Art Center.
Brad Bucher (1942–2026) was a well-regarded arts patron and collector from Houston. Together with his wife, Leslie, he supported numerous arts initiatives, including a residency program at Rice University and a gallery at the Glassell School of Art. His dedication extended to contributing significantly to the Latin American art research center at MFA Houston.
Axel Burrough (1946–2026) was a British architect and a director at Levitt Bernstein Architects. He played an integral role in designing the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester and led projects like the Bristol Beacon concert hall and the Theatre Royal in Bury St. Edmunds.
Thomas Carrillo (1948–2026), a sculptor from Colorado, made significant contributions to public art, including the New Jersey Korean War Memorial. Known for using materials such as stone, steel, bronze, and heavy timber, his work remains impactful.
Elizabeth Close (1986–2026) was an influential Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara artist based in Adelaide, Australia. She was celebrated for her murals and public art projects, often collaborating with Yolŋu communities.
Michael Hague (1948–2026) was an American illustrator recognized for his work on children’s books. A graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, he brought beloved stories like Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit to life through his illustrations.
Margareta Magnusson (1934–2026) was a Swedish illustrator and author, celebrated for her 2017 book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. Her artistic career included education at Beckmans College of Design and exhibitions in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Sweden.
Dan McCole (1929–2026), a Boston painter, rediscovered his passion for art in his 60s and became known for his unique watercolors. In recognition of his contributions, the City of Boston declared May 11 as Dan McCole Day.
Kazumasa Nagai (1929–2026) was a prominent Japanese graphic designer who contributed significantly to the advertising boom of the 1960s. His work included creating visual identities for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics and Japan Railways.
Johanna Saper (1927–2026) was an artist and Holocaust survivor who fled Nazi-occupied Austria at a young age. In the U.S., she developed her art in mosaics, collages, and sculptures, continuing to exhibit her work into her later years.
Peter Stanick (1953–2026) was an American Pop artist who emerged as a pioneer in digital art during the 1980s. With a background from Carnegie Mellon University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, his works were displayed at venues such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Osaka Museum of Art.
Gertrude Stein (1927–2026), an Upper East Side gallerist, was a notable avant-garde art patron. She was an early supporter of the NO!art movement and exhibited works by artists like Salvador Dalí, Allan Kaprow, and Yayoi Kusama, including her first installation exhibition, Aggregation: One Thousand Boats Show.
