In Remembrance of Desmond Morris, James Hayward, and Flo Oy Wong

**In Memoriam** is a cherished tradition in the art world, published weekly to honor those who have passed away. This tribute brings to light the significant contributions of artists and cultural figures who have enriched our lives and expanded our understanding of creativity.

**Desmond Morris** (1928–2026) – A multifaceted British zoologist, television presenter, and artist, Morris left a profound mark on both science and art. His influential 1967 book, *The Naked Ape*, introduced a groundbreaking perspective by portraying humans as fundamentally akin to apes, sparking widespread discussion and debate. Beyond his literary achievements, Morris was an accomplished painter, creating surrealist “biomorphs” and experimenting with animal art, notably by providing art tools to a chimpanzee named Congo.

**Aldwyth** (1935–2026) – An assemblage artist from South Carolina, Aldwyth was renowned for her unique collages that reflected an inventive spirit nurtured by the Artists of the Round Table group. Her work, recognized with numerous awards, is featured in prestigious institutions, and she was celebrated through the PBS documentary *Aldwyth: Fully Assembled*.

**Behailu Bezabih** (1960–2026) – A prominent Ethiopian artist and educator, Bezabih played a vital role in shaping the post-Derg regime art scene. His artwork skillfully blended Ethiopian cultural elements with modern techniques, and as a founding member of the Dimension Group, he advanced the nation’s contemporary art. Bezabih’s legacy continues through his teaching at Addis Ababa University.

**Alec Cobbe** (1945–2026) – Known for his expertise in historic interior design, Cobbe’s career as a conservator took him from the Tate to the Courtauld Institute before establishing his own studio. His artistic range included visual arts and graphic design, and his contributions are preserved in the Victoria & Albert Museum.

**Tarun Ghosh** (1953–2026) – A pioneering Bangladeshi art director and painter, Ghosh emerged from Dhaka University post-independence and dedicated over two decades to the Bangladesh National Museum. His acclaimed film *Kittonkhola* and his award-winning artwork left an indelible mark on Bangladeshi art.

**James Hayward** (1943–2026) – An abstract painter with a devoted following, Hayward’s powerful monochromes characterized by rich textures captured attention. From his Moorpark, California studio, his works found homes in respected galleries and revered institutions like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

**Michael Hurd** (1946–2026) – A New Mexico painter, Hurd’s atmospheric landscapes in various mediums captured the essence of his surroundings. As a steward of his family’s artistic legacy, he preserved Sentinel Ranch and was recognized with New Mexico’s Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.

**Romāns Korovins** (1973–2026) – A Latvian artist celebrated for his diverse and poignant work across multiple disciplines, Korovins’s art earned him Latvia’s prestigious Purvītis prize. His creations are housed in prominent collections, including the Latvian National Museum of Art.

**Josephine Lobato** (d. 2026) – Mastering the Spanish colonial-style *colcha* embroidery, Lobato preserved cultural heritage through her craft, earning a National Heritage Fellowship for her dedication to folk art.

**Chris Mullen** (d. 2026) – An educator and avid collector, Mullen’s teaching at notable institutions inspired future artists, while his extensive library project, the Visual Telling of Stories, offered a rich digital repository of visual culture.

**John Obuck** (1946–2026) – An abstract painter, Obuck’s work enriched many galleries and exhibitions, leaving a legacy of creativity and mentorship that is fondly remembered by peers like Nancy Manter.

**Cledie Taylor** (1926–2026) – Detroit’s “First Lady” of the art scene, Taylor was a vital advocate for Black artists and arts education, co-founding Arts Extended to promote local talent.

**Paul Waldman** (1936–2026) – A former bodybuilder turned artist, Waldman pushed the limits of art through his surreal and provocative creations, ultimately founding the whimsical International Bird Museum.

**Flo Oy Wong** (1938–2026) – A stalwart of Oakland’s Chinatown, Wong’s mixed-media art narrated poignant histories of community resilience. She exhibited globally and founded the Asian American Women Artists Association, cementing her role as a cultural pillar.