In Memory of Artists Beatriz González, Arnulf Rainer, and Franco Vaccari

**In Memoriam: Honoring Recently Departed Luminaries of the Art World**

The art world recently bid farewell to several influential figures whose contributions have left indelible marks on their respective fields. Each individual honored here has enriched the cultural landscape with their pioneering spirit, creativity, and dedication.

**Arnulf Rainer (1929–2025)**
The Austrian abstract painter was a pioneering figure in Art Informel, known for his intuitive expressionism. As a co-founder of the “Hundsgruppe” in 1950, Rainer’s work was pivotal to Vienna Actionism. His legacy continues to inspire and challenge contemporary abstract artists.

**Beatriz González (1932–2026)**
A cornerstone of Latin American contemporary art, the Colombian painter navigated themes of collective memory with her art. Her critical perspective on the relationship between taste and social class set her apart from contemporaries like Andy Warhol. González’s profound exploration of political events and societal issues resonates deeply within the art community.

**Carmen Arnold-Biucchi (1947–2026)**
As the inaugural curator of Ancient Coins at the Harvard Art Museums, Arnold-Biucchi’s expertise in ancient Sicily enriched the numismatic field. Her meticulous organization of over 20,000 coins helped preserve and illuminate ancient cultures for future generations.

**Dylis Blum (1947–2025)**
The long-time fashion curator of the Philadelphia Art Museum, Blum dedicated her career to the maintenance and interpretation of historic textile collections. Her previous roles at prestigious institutions like the Brooklyn Museum showcased her commitment to fashion history.

**Janet Fish (1938–2025)**
The realist painter and screenprinter, renowned for her studies of light and transparency, captured interconnectedness in everyday objects. Fish’s moody still lifes continue to evoke curiosity and admiration for their intricate play of light.

**William Martin (d. 2025)**
The museum director is remembered for steering his institution through financial crises and tackling contemporary issues such as monumentality and historical ideologies. Under his leadership, the museum became a beacon of critical cultural discourse.

**Robert Mnuchin (1933–2025)**
Founder of Mnuchin Gallery, the art dealer was celebrated for his exhibitions featuring icons like Willem de Kooning and Jeff Koons. Mnuchin’s gallery remains a landmark in New York City, reflecting his commitment to elevating major artists.

**Molly Parkin (1932–2026)**
The Welsh painter, fashion designer, and writer epitomized the vibrant spirit of the “Swinging Sixties.” Parkin’s multifaceted career spanned abstract painting, fashion editing, and novel writing, marking her as one of Wales’s most colorful cultural figures.

**Jesús Romeo Galdámez Escobar (1956–2025)**
Prominent in El Salvador’s art scene, the mail artist used politically charged imagery to explore social themes, leading to his exile. Upon returning, he assumed various government roles, contributing to the nation’s cultural governance.

**Mori Yoshiko (1940–2025)**
Co-founder of the Mori Art Museum, Yoshiko championed contemporary art from Japan and beyond. Her leadership helped the museum showcase diverse creative talents, establishing it as a crucial cultural institution.

**Franco Vaccari (1936–2025)**
The Italian pioneer of conceptual photography often engaged audiences in his multimedia work. His legacy is cemented by his notable presence at several Venice Biennales and ongoing retrospectives of his work.

**Jacklyn St. Aubyn (d. 2025)**
A painter whose colorful still lifes interwove mysticism and cultural myths, St. Aubyn also imparted her knowledge to students as a teacher at New Mexico State University.

**Takerng Pattanopas Curtin (1965–2025)**
This Thai sculptor explored themes of illness through biologically inspired art. His dual role as an educator further expanded his impact, influencing students at Chulalongkorn University.

These artists and scholars have not only contributed to their respective fields but have also shared their passion with the world, inspiring future generations. As their legacies endure, their life’s work continues to enrich the arts community globally.