In Memory of Influential Artists: A Tribute to Carla Stellweg, Frank Wimberley, and Ed Kerns
**In Memoriam: Celebrating the Legacy of Influential Artists and Contributors**
The art world recently bid farewell to several exceptional individuals who left an indelible mark on their respective fields. Here, we honor their contributions and the profound impact they made on art, culture, and society.
**Frank Wimberley (1926–2025)**
Renowned as an endlessly experimental abstract expressionist, Frank Wimberley was a vital figure in the abstract expressionism movement and the Black Arts Movement. As a cherished member of Long Island’s artist communities, Wimberley was driven by visions of new artworks that often came to him in dreams. His dynamic approach to art included ripping, tearing, pasting, and painting paper to craft new worlds, even into his final year.
**Carla Stellweg (1942–2025)**
A Dutch visionary of Latin American art, Carla Stellweg was instrumental in elevating Mexican, Latine, and Caribbean artists on the global stage. Co-founding the contemporary art journal *Artes Visuales* in 1973, Stellweg was renowned for her fearless embrace of non-mainstream movements. Her diverse background empowered her to approach art without prejudice, significantly broadening the artistic narrative.
**Stan Beckensall (1932–2025)**
As a British rock art archaeologist, Stan Beckensall made major contributions to the study of prehistoric rock art. His work, supported by field workers, farmers, and shepherds, resulted in over 40 books covering a range of topics, including the mysteries of Hadrian’s Wall and the castles of Northumberland, enriching our understanding of history and art.
**Ed Kerns (1945–2025)**
Ed Kerns was an abstract artist and educator whose work often integrated scientific concepts. Known for exploring both geometric abstractions and the mysteries of consciousness, Kerns served as a professor at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he was pivotal in establishing an art center and outdoor trail, fostering a vibrant academic and artistic community.
**Michael Smuss (1926–2025)**
A Polish-Israeli painter drawing from his lived experiences, Michael Smuss turned his past experiences, including his role in the Jewish resistance during the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, into evocative artworks. His self-taught artistry conveys both the hardships and cherished memories of his journey, offering a deeply personal perspective on history and identity.
**Sara Terry (1955–2025)**
Sara Terry was a documentary filmmaker and photojournalist, acclaimed for her project “Forgiveness and Conflict: Lessons From Africa.” Her work challenged Western narratives and advocated for visual literacy, as she served as the artistic director of the Aftermath Project, devoted to anti-war efforts. Her dedication broadened the understanding of conflict and reconciliation through a compassionate lens.
As we reflect on the legacy of these remarkable individuals, their contributions to art and society continue to inspire and inform future generations. They will be remembered not only for their individual achievements but also for the collective impact they had on the world.