Lorraine O’Grady, renowned for her groundbreaking explorations of identity, race and cultural boundaries, passed away on December 13 in New York at the age of 90, her gallery Mariane Ibrahim confirmed, per theartnewspaper.com.
O’Grady’s artistic journey was anything but conventional. Entering the art world in her early 40, she defied traditional career trajectories, emerging as a powerful voice in contemporary art through provocative performances and multidisciplinary works that challenged societal norms.
Her most iconic performance, Mlle Bourgeoise Noire in 1980, epitomised her fearless approach. Dressed in a dress made from 180 white gloves, she challenged the art world with her powerful statement: “Black art must take more risks!!!” Her 1983 parade performance, “Art Is…”, featuring performers with empty gold frames, became a seminal work that critiqued representation and visibility.
Born to Jamaican immigrants in Boston, O’Grady’s personal experience of existing between cultural boundaries informed her artistic practice. She transitioned through multiple careers—from economics to writing and music criticism—before finding her true calling in art.
Despite arriving late to the art scene, O’Grady quickly became a critical figure in feminist and conceptual art. Her work was featured in landmark exhibitions like WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution and the Whitney Biennial, and she received a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship earlier this year.
“Lorraine O’Grady was a force to be reckoned with,” said Mariane Ibrahim. “She refused to be labelled or limited, embracing the multiplicity of history that reflected her identity and life’s journey.”
O’Grady’s legacy extends beyond her artwork. She was a mentor to generations of artists, teaching at the University of California, Irvine, and continually challenging artistic conventions until the end of her life.
Her final solo exhibition was scheduled for spring 2025 in Paris, a testament to her enduring artistic vision and influence.
•Featured image: Lorraine O’Grady ©Ross Collab, 2018
