Irish-American artist Brian O'Doherty dies at 94

Brian O'Doherty, the Irish-American conceptual artist, critic, and academic, died on November 7 at his home in New York at age 94. Born in Ballaghaderreen, Ireland, he emerged as a key figure in the international art scene since the 1960s, using alter egos including Patrick Ireland—a reference to Bloody Sunday, retired after the 2008 Good Friday Agreement. He exhibited at Documenta and the Venice Biennale. In 1975, O'Doherty and his wife, art critic Barbara Novak, bought a 19th-century house in Todi, Italy, which he transformed over 40 years into the immersive artwork "Casa Dipinta" (Painted House), featuring acrylic murals including the ancient Ogham alphabet. The house has been open to the public by appointment since 2011. Following his death, the city of Todi and CoopCulture will open it free to residents and at €2 for tourists on November 13. Todi mayor Antonino Ruggiano expressed deep sorrow, noting O'Doherty's generosity in loaning the house to the municipality; the donation was being finalized. The Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, which recently opened the solo show "In the Context of the Collection: Brian O'Doherty. Phases of the Self," mourned his loss. Curator Roman Kurzmeyer and director Letizia Ragaglia praised his influence and kindness. O'Doherty gained fame for his 1976 Artforum essays on the "White Cube" gallery space.