Hyperallergic Remembers Geles Cabrera, Helch, and Other Artists Lost in 2026
Hyperallergic's In Memoriam section pays tribute to artists who passed away in 2026. Geles Cabrera (1926–2026), a Mexican sculptor, established Museo Escultórico in 1966 and was awarded the Bellas Artes Medal in 2024. British street artist Helch (c. 1991–2026) stirred controversy by tagging a railway viaduct, upsetting Queen Elizabeth. Yayoi Kusama (1929–2026), a Japanese artist, left a significant mark on Minimalism and Pop Art but faced criticism for racist remarks in her 2002 autobiography. British ceramicist Christina Gascoigne (1939–2026) created ceramics and converted a residence into Grange Park Opera. Jay Maisel (1931–2026), a photographer, enjoyed a career spanning seven decades, receiving numerous accolades. Laura Spector (1954–2026) produced art for clients such as Joan Baez, while Canadian artist David Thauberger (1948–2026) captured Saskatchewan architecture. Ally Van Tillo (d. 2026) played a key role in coordinating the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt.
Key facts
- Geles Cabrera (1926–2026) founded Museo Escultórico in 1966 in Coyoacán.
- Cabrera received the Bellas Artes Medal in Visual Arts in 2024.
- Helch (c. 1991–2026) was a British street artist who tagged public infrastructure in London.
- Helch upset Queen Elizabeth by tagging a railway viaduct near Windsor Castle.
- Yayoi Kusama (1929–2026) died at 97; her work influenced Minimalism and Pop Art.
- Christina Gascoigne (1939–2026) co-founded Grange Park Opera in 2014.
- Jay Maisel (1931–2026) shot the cover for Miles Davis's 'Kind of Blue' (1959).
- Laura Spector (1954–2026) used invasive Asian bittersweet in her art.
- David Thauberger (1948–2026) was inducted into the Order of Canada in 2008.
- Ally Van Tillo (d. 2026) founded the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt; it will be displayed in Tramway, Glasgow.
Entities
Artists
- Geles Cabrera
- Helch
- Yayoi Kusama
- Christina Gascoigne
- Jay Maisel
- Laura Spector
- David Thauberger
- Ally Van Tillo
- Miles Davis
- Joan Baez
- Sting
- Bamber Gascoigne
Institutions
- Museo Escultórico
- Bellas Artes Medal
- Grange Park Opera
- Art Directors Club Hall of Fame
- American Society of Media Photographers
- International Center of Photography
- Order of Canada
- Saskatchewan Order of Merit
- UK AIDS Memorial Quilt
- American Names Project Memorial Quilt
- Hyperallergic
Locations
- Coyoacán
- Mexico
- London
- United Kingdom
- Windsor Castle
- West Horsley
- England
- Saskatchewan
- Canada
- Glasgow
- Scotland