A Tribute to Dóra Maurer, Isaiah Zagar, and Peter Stämpfli
In Memoriam
Every week, the art community pauses to honor those we’ve lost. This week, we reflect on the lives and contributions of notable figures who made significant impacts in various artistic realms.
Dóra Maurer (1937–2026), a Hungarian neo-avant-garde artist, was renowned for her exploration of movement and displacement across graphic art, photography, films, and paintings. Her works reside in prestigious collections like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.
British painter and educator Alan Burgess (d. 2026) was known for his repetitive depiction of subjects ranging from trees to historic views. He contributed to art education and painted for Queen Elizabeth’s jubilee.
Bill DeBrooke (1942–2026), affectionately called the “mayor” of Harlingen, Texas, was dedicated to downtown’s revitalization, supporting artists and alternative art spaces.
Aleksandr Dotsenko (1960–2026), a Ukrainian jewelry artist, faced imprisonment for antiwar protests, highlighting his courage in expressing political dissent through art.
David Harding (1937–2026) served as the town artist of Glenrothes, Scotland, creating public art inspired by Diego Rivera and mentoring students at the Glasgow School of Art.
Caroline Hands (1948–2026) was a British artist who fostered community-oriented art projects and workshops, advocating for non-hierarchical artmaking.
David Hose (d. 2026) enlivened Monroe, Washington, with his vivid murals depicting diverse themes, transforming the city’s urban landscape.
Texas artist Carol Ivey (1949–2026) impacted Austin’s art scene through her participation in Women and Their Work, creating a legacy in abstract painting and portraiture.
Raffaello LaMantia (1935–2026) taught and inspired generations of students, promoting diverse artistic expressions and supporting marriage equality.
Scottish photographer and picture editor David McNeil (1945–2026) contributed to the field with his captivating images and mentorship in Glasgow.
Ashley Stewart Rödder (1984–2026) was a dedicated director at Gagosian, fiercely advocating for artists and influencing the contemporary art market.
Albert Scherbarth (d. 2026), an iconoclastic Dallas artist, left a mark in the Cedars district, contributing to its status as a significant art hub.
Denys Short (1928–2026) was known for depicting the industrial landscapes of South Wales, while educating emerging artists at prominent institutions.
Swiss Pop artist Peter Stämpfli (1937–2026) captured the essence of everyday objects like tires, gaining international recognition in biennales and museums.
Latvian-born painter Raimonds Staprans (1926–2026) portrayed California’s unique light in his art, earning Latvia’s highest honors for his contributions.
Isaiah Zagar (1940–2026), a Philadelphia mosaic artist, created over 200 murals, with his Magic Gardens standing as a testament to his artistic vision and commitment to public art.