Every Wednesday afternoon, we pay tribute to the influential figures recently lost in the art community through our In Memoriam publication.
Nathan Farb (1941–2026), a renowned photographer and educator, documented a wide range of subjects using a large-format camera. His work spanned from capturing the essence of Manhattan during the 1960s Summer of Love to photographing Siberia and notable figures like Diane Arbus and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Farb shared his knowledge at institutions such as Rutgers University and the New School, freelanced for publications like Life, and authored several photography books. Reflecting on his career in a 2024 documentary, Farb said, “The camera satisfied so many needs for me: the need to be with people, the need to connect to people, the need to express myself, the need to be able to comment on society.” He passed away on March 26 in Jay, a town located in Adirondack Park, Upstate New York.
William “Billy The Brush” Mumford (1948–2026) was a notable art forger and artist, recognized for selling over 1,000 replicas of master artworks, amassing around $8 million. Following his release from prison, Mumford established a gallery showcasing his creations, achieving widespread sales.
Justin “El Toro” Nagtalon (1983–2026) made his mark as one of Philadelphia’s pioneering sticker artists, famous for his cartoon buffalo character that adorned the city’s streets. As an art director, he designed over 350 campaigns for major clients, including Netflix, Hulu, and Warner Brothers.
Christine Ruiz-Picasso (1928–2026), instrumental in the establishment of Museo Picasso Málaga in Spain, fulfilled Pablo Picasso’s vision. As his daughter-in-law, she also organized two exhibitions of his work at the Episcopal Palace during the 1990s.
Hassen Soufy (1937–2026), a Tunisian painter and educator, was the last surviving member of L’École de Tunis, an influential post-World War II Tunisian painting movement. His exhibitions spanned Tunisia and France, and he earned several international accolades.
Marian Van Landingham (1937–2026) made significant contributions as a community leader and artist. She founded the Torpedo Factory Art Center in 1974, providing the largest number of working artist studios in the U.S., and was known for her enamel artworks crafted from fused glass.
Thomas Zipp (1966–2026), a German interdisciplinary artist, transitioned from punk music to visual arts, creating works that explored themes of science, religion, and pharmaceuticals. Known for his multi-part installations reminiscent of surreal stage sets, Zipp’s work was featured at prestigious venues, including the 2013 Venice Biennial, the 2006 Berlin Biennale, MoMA PS1, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.
