ArtsHub salutes the lives and careers of the artists, performers and patrons who took their final curtain call in 2025.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains references to and names of people who have died.
Vale 2025 – quick links
The global picture
In terms of global screen heroes, director David Lynch died in January and director Rob Reiner in December. We also lost iconic actors like Diane Keaton, Robert Redford, Gene Hackman, Val Kilmer, and Joan Plowright.
When it came to giants of the music industry, notable losses in 2025 included Ozzy Osbourne, Brian Wilson, Roberta Flack and Marianne Faithfull.
We also farewelled designer Giorgio Armani, playwright and Oscar winner Tom Stoppard, actors Richard Chamberlain, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the Oscar-nominated Terence Stamp and vaudeville performer Toni Lamond.
In the visual arts, the sector was in shock after sudden death of 2026 Venice Biennale curator Koyo Kouoh in May. Among the artists we farewelled were radical figurative painter Jo Baer, American pop artist Joe Goode, conceptual trailblazing American text artist Mel Bochner, British artist Sir Brian Clarke, Swedish painter and sculptor Lena Cronqvist, Cuban painter and sculptor Waldo Díaz-Balart and photographer Martin Parr, among others.
Their legacies leave an indelible impact on global arts and culture.
Vale 2025: visual arts, crafts and design sector
Michael Keigherly (1949–2025)
In January, Sydney artist Michael Keighery died following a bout of Covid. His death hit hard for the sector, which knew Keighery to be a great academic, thinker, advocate and artist.
Dr Laurens Tan (1951–2025)
Also in January, the multidisciplinary artist Laurens Tan, a pioneer in the Asian-Australian art space, died while on an extended stay in his beloved Las Vegas. Tan was 74.
Jorna Newberry (1959-2025)
Jorna Newberry, a Pitjantjatjara woman and matriarchal leadeer in the Northern Territory, was an artist known for her paintings of the Perentie lizard story. Mrs Newberry died in February, at the age of 66.
J Yalunga (1959-2025)
J Yalunga, a Gija artist and daughter of renowned artist Rover Thomas, and leader of the East Kimberley art movement, passed away after being struck by a car in Kununurra February. She was one of the first Indigenous artists to be represented at the Venice Biennale in 1990. Mrs Yalunga was 66.
Dion Horstmans (1968-2025)
In February, the renowned Australian sculptor Dion Horstmans was tragically found dead in his Bondi home at just 57. It was not deemed suspicious. He was known for his geometric sculptures in metal.
Robyn Kahukiwa (1938-2025)
Respected Māori artist and political activist Robyn Kahukiwa (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāti Konohi, and Te Whānau-a-Ruataupare), known for her paintings of women’s stories and mana, died in April, aged 87.
Allan Mitelman (1946-2025)
In April, the sector said goodbye to Allan Mitelman, a bold and prolific printmaker who was known for his non-figurative style. A humble gentleman with a deep legacy as both a teacher and artist, he was 79.
Bruce Goold (1948–2025)
Notable Australian master printmaker, illusrtrator and artist Bruce Goold left this world in June this year. Considered under-appreciated, he influenced many with his use of bold, vibrant colours, illustrative style, black flowing outlines and Australian cultural and landscape themes across fabrics, ceramics, murals and branding. He was an alumnus of the National Art School and had close ties with the Yellow House. Artist George Gittoes has written an obituary for Goold.
Kevin Connor (1932-2025)
Expressionist painter Kevin Connor, a two-time Archibald and Sulman winner, left this world in July at the age of 92. He was also known for his drawing and his passion as a teacher.
Greer Twiss ONZM (1937-2025)
Known as the Godfather of contemporary sculpture in New Zealand, Greer Twiss was also a generous teacher and mentor. He passed away in July.
Mrs Kurarra (1952-2025)
Also in July, Mangkaja Arts Resource Agency at Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley announced that the artist Mrs Sonia Kurarra had died. She began painting at Mangkaja in the early 1990s, working mostly on paper, before moving to canvas. She had her first solo exhibition in 2009.
Robert Eadie (1941-2025)
Robert Eadie was an artist who work worked across multiple mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking, working from the inner-city suburbs of Sydney and painting en plein air along the coastline of New South Wales, from Jervis Bay to the Pittwater for over 60 years. He was 84 when he passed in August.
William Robinson (1936-2025)
In September the visual arts sector lost a legend with the passing of the pioneer visionary of the Australian landscape, Brisbane born painter William Robinson. He was 89.
Lawrence Daws (1927-2025)
Lawrence Daws was a major figure of modern and contemporary Australian art with a successful career as a painter and printmaker for over 70 years. His obituary from Philip Bacon Galleries said: ‘His depictions of the Australian landscape are as unique as the psychological landscapes he often grafts within them. His works are a personal journey of self-awareness and discovery, and often about the formal qualities of paint itself.’
Jamie Boyd (1948-2025)
A painter and artist and son of the iconic artist Arthur Boyd, Jamie Boyd died in November. His work is held in the National Gallery of Victoria.
Additionally, we acknowledge the passing in the last days of 2024, and missing our Vale tribute, were Mrs D Yunupingu of the famed Yunupingu family, known for her didgeridoo expertise and work in supporting her husband Djalu Gurruwiwi, who passed away on 27 December 2024; and John Mawurndjul AM (Balang Nakurulk), a giant of Australian Indigenous art, known for his meticulous bark paintings. He died on 21 December 2024.
Vale 2025: performing arts
Chad Morgan (1934-2025)
In January, pioneering Australian country music icon Chad Morgan passed away. He was 91. Celebrated as a beloved larrikin, Morgan released his first album in 1952 and had a prosperous 70-year career that took him nationwide.
Gordon ‘Snowy’ Fleet (1939-2025)
In February, the English-born drummer for the legendary ’60s Australian rock bank The Easybeats died at 84.
Mr B Yunupiŋu (1955-2025)
In May, Gumatj clan elder B Yunupiŋu died aged 70, following an alleged attack at his home in the community of Gunyaŋara. Mr B Yunupiŋu was a leading voice for the rights of the Yolŋu people of north-east Arnhem Land and a fixture at the annual Garma Festival. He received prominence after his Gumatj clan was successful against the Commonwealth in a historic land rights victory at the High Court in March.
James Baker (1954-2025)
In May, the rock drummer who played in influential bands like The Scientists, Hoodoo Gurus and Beasts of Bourbon died at the age of 71. The Guardian’s obituary said: ‘The drummer played an important role in bringing the look and attitude of punk to Australia, after he flew to New York then London in 1976 to check out the burgeoning scene for himself.’
Col Joye (1936-2025)
In August, the Australian pop music pioneer – the first Australian pop performer to reach number one on the local charts with his band the Joy Boys – died at 89. Col Joye‘s career, both onstage and as a songwriter, spanned seven decades.
Ben Lewis (1979-2025)
In October, the star of Australian musical theatre, renowned for his roles in The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies, sadly lost his battle with cancer at just 46. Tributes flowed in, included condolences from Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Peter McFarlane (1952-2025)
This month, the Australian rock drummer for the bands Finch and Swanee died at 73 on the Gold Coast from a stroke. Peter McFarlane had the skill to move seamlessly between rock to classical, jazz to popular music. He made his first single in 1974.
Additionally, we acknowledge the passing of James Simpson in the week before Christmas last year, and not included in our vale record. The musical director, arranger and orchestrator left the stage early, at just 37. He was described as ‘a remarkable, talented, humble, passionate, kind soul’ by Casey Donovan and recognised as a triple threat theatre artist, who worked on high-profile productions including The Lion King, Aladdin, Chicago and the Melbourne Theatre Company’s recent production of My Brilliant Career. James Simpson died unexpectedly. We also recognise John Rodgers, who began his career as a young violin prodigy but ended up expanding into flamenco, punk, cabaret and a breadth of instrumental compositions. He was 62.
Vale 2025: writing and publishing sector in 2025
Kerry Greenwood (1954-2025)
In March, Kerry Greenwood, the popular crime fiction novelist and lawyer died at the age of 70. She is best known for creating the Phryne Fisher historical detective series, which was adapted into a successful TV show and film.
Tracy Sorensen (1963-2025)
In May, Australian novelist, activist, teacher and academic Tracy Sorensen, known for her book The Lucky Galah (Picador, 2018) died at 62. Her work had a deep connection to the environment and she also worked at Arts OutWest as media officer from 2004 to 2005.
Maurice Gee (1932-2025)
An arts icon in New Zealand, Maurice Gee was responsible for some of the most loved books in New Zealand’s literary history. He died in June at the age of 93. Writers, creatives and arts organisations offered tribute to his legacy.
Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green (1962-2025)
In September, the prominent First Nations poet, visual artists, researcher and cultural leader – whose work focused on truth, healing and justice – died aged 63. Charmaine Papertalk Green was a proud member of the Wajarri, Badimaya and Nhanagardi Wilunyu cultural groups of the Yamaji Nation. Creative Australia contributed an obituary.
Robert Gay (1945-2025)
In November, the Australian poet and critic Robert Gay died at 80.
Additionally, we acknowledge the author John Marsden. A renowned and bestselling author of more than 40 books, including the internationally successful Tomorrow book series. He died at age 74 in late December 2024, with his passing was reported in early 2025.
Vale 2025: critics, arts managers and patrons
Tom Lowenstein OAM (1936-2025)
Tom Lowenstein OAM helped artists with the tough stuff. Tax and financial accounting can often be an impenetrable mine of frustration for creatives but Lowenstein dedicated a lifetime to making it easy for them. He was Founding Director of Lowenstein Sharp, which later became Lowensteins Arts Management, a firm of financial specialists for creatives that has offered taxation services to the arts and culture sector since the 1960s. He passed away in January after a long battle with Alzheimers.
Keith Gallasch AM (1945-2025)
A founding member of Troupe Theatre Company and Open City, Keith Gallasch’s work enriched Australian theatre, fostering collaborations and nurturing emerging talent. His association with Performance Space in Sydney and numerous theatre groups, including the State Theatre Company of South Australia, underscored his dedication to artistic expression and innovation. He died in January at 79. Creative Australia offered an obituary.
Georgia Malone (-2025)
Dedicated as much to her work with individual artists and arts workers as to the sector as a whole, Georgia Malone’s legacy will live on through these incredible contributions. She was a exemplary arts leader and tireless advocate. Most recently, Malone worked with the Minderoo Foundation in the role of Principal of the Foundation’s Arts Strategy and Artist Fund, and previously held roles at Ten Days on the Island, Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia, Sydney Dance Company and Perth Festival. She passed away in April.
Leo Christie (1934-2025)
The art world mourned the loss of the ambitious, talented and generous entrepreneur and philanthropist, Leo Christie in June, aged 91. In the late 1990s he co-founded and developed 2 Danks Street in Sydney, bringing together nine gallery spaces, studios and the Danks Street Depo café to form a new kind of arts hub for the city.
Fiona Winning (1961-2025)
The culture-shaping arts leader and producer Fiona Winning sadly passed in September. Winning is remembered as a visionary whose passion for collaboration changed lives and for her fearless advocacy for independent artists.
Bill Hauritz AM (1954-2025)
The revered founder of the Woodford Folk Festival and Woodfordia, Bill Hauritz was a major cultural leader and visionary in the festival scene. At the news of his passing this month, Creative Australia described him as ‘a cultural visionary whose work reshaped the way Australians experience festivals, and indeed, community’.
Judith Isherwood (1961-2025)
The arts leader Judith Isherwood was the inaugural chief executive of the Wales Millennium Centre and the former CEO of Arts Centre Melbourne, overseeing the major overhaul of Hamer Hall in 2011. She died in July from mesothelioma, maintaining her celebrated sense of humour to the end. She was 64.
Uncle Noel Tovey AM (1935-2025)
In August, we said goodbye to Uncle Noel Tovey AM, who is remembered for his spirit, courage and creativity, and as a courageous elder with a sly wit and a fierce advocate for Indigenous gay rights. He was 90.
Kay Lanceley (1937-2025)
Long time supporter of the arts, in particular the National Art School, Kay Lanceley passed away aged 88. She was the partner of NAS alumnus and Fellow Colin Lanceley for 50 years. After his death in 2015, she continued to keep his legacy alive by donating many of his artworks to the National Art School Collection.
Ted Egan AO (1932-2025)
Australian folk music pioneer, musician, author and former Administrator of the Northern Territory Ted Egan AO is perhaps best known for reinventing the beer box as a musical instrument. He died earlier this month at age 93.
Geoffrey Legge (1935-2025)
‘A quiet but important presence in the Sydney art community for over 60 years,’ is how critic John McDonald described Geoffrey Legge on his passing this month. From 1964 to 2018, Geoffrey and his wife, Alex were co-directors of Watters Gallery, along with Frank Watters (1934-2020). An accountant by profession, Legge looked after the gallery finances and was a passionate enthusiast for art and the artists he loved. He was also an excellent writer who had the makings of an art critic. McDonald added: ‘It’s with sadness that I say goodbye to one of the most thoroughly decent people one could ever hope to meet in that highly chequered entity we call the art world…Looking at these fallen warriors is like staring into a time tunnel.’
Dr Maudie Palmer AO (1944-2025)
A powerhouse for contemporary visual arts, Dr Maudie Palmer AO died unexpectedly at home aged 81 this month. She was Founding Director of Heide Park and Art Gallery (now Heide Museum of Modern Art), TarraWarra Museum of Art and Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park, as well as a Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria, a Founding Ambassador of CLIMARTE and a member of countless boards and advisories. She was also a former curator, director and strategic advisor at the University Gallery (now the Potter Museum of Art), Melbourne International Arts Festival, and Vice Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow Monash University. As arts advocate Esther Anatolitis writes, ‘Nobody ever said no to Maudie.’
Dr Ashley Crawford (1960-2025)
Melbourne editor, publisher and writer, and occasional curator Ashley Crawford was deeply respected for his contribution to the visual arts sector. He died in his sleep the week before Christmas. Crawford was, the author of numerous books and monographs including Transformations: The Work of Sonia Payes (Thames & Hudson, 2016), Wimmera: The Work of Philip Hunter(Thames & Hudson, 2002), Stephen Bush: Gelderland (Sante Fe Museum, New Mexico, 2007) and Spray, The Work of Howard Arkley (co-author, Craftsman House, 1997). He was also the author of a number of books on Australian art, including He is, most recently, author of Dark Gnosis: Religious Imaging in Millennialist America (Palgrave MacMillan, New York, 2018) He was a regular contributor to The Age, The Australian, The Guardian, The Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Art Collector, Art Monthly, and numerous other publications, and was the former editor of Tension, World Art, 21•C and Photofile magazines. His passing is a great loss to the arts sector and arts journalism.
Elizabeth “Lizzy” Marshall
Blue Mountains (NSW) curator, art educationalist, exhibition manager and writer, Lizzy Marshall passed away too young last week (mid December) from pancreatic cancer. She was known for her unstoppable energy and erudite thinking, a former sessional academic for the Masters of Curatorial and Cultural Leadership at UNSW – a position she held to the end. She has held curatorial positions at the National Gallery of Ireland, the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, Dublin City Gallery and the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin – where she lived for 13-years. Returning to Australia she held positions with Liverpool Powerhouse, Scenic World Blue Mountains, Sculpture in the Vineyards inc., National Trust of Australia, as well as many other institutions in a freelance capacity.
Vale 2025: film & television
Nicholas Eadie (1958-2025)
In January, the Australian actor, known for roles in television shows like Cop Shop and Underbelly, died aged 67.
Iain Finlay (1936-2025)
In May, the former ABC journalist and author Iain Finlay, notably known for his work on the TV series This Day Tonight and Beyond 2000, died aged 89.
Julian McMahon (1968-2025)
In July, we said goodbye to the Australian-American actor Julian McMahon, best known for his roles in Home and Away, Charmed and Nip/Tuck. He died of cancer at age 56.
Henri Szeps OAM (1943-2025)
Also in July, Henri Szeps OAM, the award-winning actor best-known for his role in the original ABC TV series Mother and Son (1984-1994), died in July, after his Alzheimer’s progressed. Szeps also wrote a book on the craft of acting and the art of good comic timing, entitled All In Good Timing. He was 81 years old.
