The year 2024 was marked by a profound sense of loss, as the art world bid farewell to numerous iconic figures whose contributions shaped the landscape of contemporary art.
From groundbreaking artists and influential gallerists to visionary collectors and curators, the legacies of these individuals will continue to resonate across generations. This year saw the passing of significant figures whose works spanned minimalism, conceptual art, and beyond.
Lorraine O’Grady (1934–2024)
In December, the art world lost Lorraine O’Grady, a pioneering conceptual artist whose work explored the intersections of Blackness, femininity, and history. Known for her bold performances and activism, O’Grady’s confrontations with societal norms and her membership in the Guerrilla Girls collective left an indelible mark. Her death at 90 symbolizes the end of a revolutionary era for Black female perspectives in art.
Frank Stella (1936–2024)
May saw the passing of Frank Stella, the trailblazing figure of Minimalism who later embraced Maximalism in his works. Renowned for his “Black Paintings” and colorful sculptures, Stella’s innovative approach to abstraction continues to influence the art world. His death at 87 marks the loss of one of the key figures in postwar American art.
Richard Serra (1939–2024)
March claimed the life of Richard Serra, whose monumental steel sculptures are considered some of the defining works of Minimalism. Serra’s large-scale pieces, which invite a sensory experience of space and form, shaped the way sculptors approached materials and scale. His death at 85 further emphasizes the passing of an entire New York scene, as his work paralleled that of artists like Carl Andre and Jackie Winsor.
Barbara Gladstone (1935–2024)
In June, the art world also lost Barbara Gladstone, one of New York’s foremost gallerists. Through her Gladstone Gallery, founded in 1980, she championed artists like Matthew Barney and Jenny Holzer, becoming an instrumental force in the careers of many celebrated contemporary artists. Gladstone’s passing at 89 marked the end of an era for influential gallerists.
Faith Ringgold (1930–2024)
Faith Ringgold, a leading figure in both art and social activism, passed away at 93 in April. Known for her painted quilts and vibrant depictions of African American life, Ringgold’s works stand as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Her contributions to both art and culture made her a pivotal figure in pushing for racial and gender equality in the arts.
The Loss of Collectors and Curators
Alongside artists, the passing of prominent figures in the art market and curatorial fields has left an irreplaceable void. Pierre Levai, long-time leader of Marlborough Gallery, died in June at 87, while Kasper König, the German curator who redefined exhibition-making, passed away at 80 in August. Collectors Rosa de la Cruz and Leonard Riggio also passed, leaving behind monumental legacies in the collections they curated, and the institutions they supported.
Other notable figures who passed in 2024 include:
- Günter Brus (1939–2024), the Austrian provocateur known for his extreme performances as part of the Viennese Actionist movement.
- Zilia Sánchez (1926–2024), a Cuban-born artist whose shaped canvases redefined abstraction and earned her international acclaim in the final years of her life.
- Bill Viola (1951–2024), a video artist whose explorations of time, death, and spirituality helped define the medium’s trajectory.
These figures, among many others, leave behind works that are integral to the continued evolution of contemporary art.
Whether through their groundbreaking exhibitions, radical performances, or transformative sculptures, they each changed the trajectory of art history.
