Artcritical Honors Alain Kirili with Panel Discussion and Archived Content

A discussion panel commemorating Alain Kirili was filmed in his New York loft shortly after he was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government. This gathering not only celebrated the accolade but also paid homage to Kirili, who passed away at the age of 74 earlier that week. Among the participants were musician Michael Attis, dancer Maria Mitchell, painter Dorothea Rockburne, and art critic, poet, and editor Barry Schwabsky. Their varied backgrounds showcased Kirili's extensive influence as a sculptor, free jazz supporter, and sculpture history scholar. Artcritical enhanced this video tribute with two archived pieces: a 2018 interview by Mary Jones in which Kirili revealed his leukemia diagnosis and a review of his iron works exhibition at Philadelphia's Barnes Foundation from two years prior. The panel underscored Kirili's vital impact on contemporary sculpture and his friendship with the publication.