2023, a year that marked the loss of several pioneers in the art sphere. Renowned artists, visionary curators, sharp writers, passionate collectors and generous philanthropists. Through their distinct lenses and expressive scoops, each of these individuals pushed and stretched the conventional boundaries of art. Impactful contributions that altered the contemporary artistic landscape, Thus, kindling the light for broad cultural dialogues and inspiring new perspectives. We commemorate these iconic figures, saluting their fearless exploration of artistic possibilities, and the significant stamp they left on both the art community and society at large.
Renown Musicians and Composers
- Wayne Shorter:
Well-established Saxophonist and composer. A 12-time Grammy-winning artist, Wayne Shorter left a distinct influence and contribution to the modern jazz sphere, across the last fifty-plus years. His journey began in the late 1950s in the slower pace of hard bop. Wayne, later progressed through the 1960s with forward-thinking small ensemble jazz, culminating in the 1970s with the emergence of rock-tinged jazz. Shorter’s mastery of both the soprano and tenor saxophones was a beacon of musical invention and revolution. He died on March 2, at the age of 89.
- Ahmad Jamal:
Ahmad Jamal who pioneered the American jazz sphere for nearly a century, the iconic jazz pianist, spanning an astonishing eight-decades career, made a lasting influence on various renowned artists such as Miles Davis and MacArthur Award recipient Jason Moran. Jamal’s lengthy discography includes various albums, his 1963 breakthrough hit “Poinciana” which remained a chart-topper for nearly tow years. He passed away on April 16, the age of 92
- Tina Turner:
Turner, distinct soul and rock icon, eight-times Grammy award winner. Her remarkable vocal range and compelling performances fascinated audiences. She rose to fame both solo and with her first husband, Ike Turner, throughout a six-decade career. Her determination in the face of personal hardship and triumphs inspired the 1993 biography “what love got to do with it?” she died on May 24, at the age of 83
Other Renowned Artists
- Kwame Brathwaite:
January 1, 1938-April 1, 2023. A well known American photojournalist and activist. he is most known for popularizing the term ” Black is Beautiful”, which became a rallying cry for African-Americans to celebrate their cultural identity and aesthetics. In 1956, Brathwaite Co-founded the African jazz Art Society and studios, and in 1962, he co-founded Grandassa Models, both of which were essential in promoting black beauty and empowerment.
- Paolo Di Paolo:
Paolo was a Brilliant Italian photographer known for capturing the soul of postwar Italy and its silver film starts. He died on June 12, 2023, at the age of 98. DI Paolo humble and decent beginnings are visible in his photographic techniques. He was Born in Larino in 1925. His career, However brief, lasted from the early 1950s until the late 1960s, and he produced around 250,000 negatives, prints, and slides. His art was frequently featured in mid-century life-style magazines such as Tempo, Mondo, and Successo
- Ilya Kabakov:
From 1983 to 2000, Kabakov created 155 installations, the most notable of which was “The Man Who Flew Into Space From His Apartment” (1985) This work portrayed a tiny, decaying chamber as a symbol of escape from harsh situations. The partnership between Kabakov and Emilia Kanevsky, whom he subsequently married, resulting in various exhibits across the world, notably at Documenta, the Venice Biennale, the Whitney Biennial, the State Hermitage Museum, and the Tale Modern.
- Peter Weibel:
(March 5, 1944 -March 1, 2023) a highly influential Austrian Post-conceptual artist, curator, and new media Theorist. Weibel Began his career as a visual poet in 1964 and later transitioned to explore digital art genres such as virtual reality. His work was diverse, encompassing conceptual art, performance, experimental film, video art, and computer art
