Celebrated Artist Tess Jaray Passes Away at 88
Tess Jaray obituary

Image: Theguardian
Tess Jaray, an influential abstract painter and educator, has died at the age of 88. Born in Vienna, her artistic journey began after studying at the Slade School of Fine Art. Jaray's work, characterized by geometric abstraction and a fascination with color, evolved through her experiences in Italy and her innovative teaching methods at prestigious art institutions.
- 01Tess Jaray was born in Vienna and moved to England after the Nazi annexation in 1938.
- 02Her early exposure to architecture in Italy profoundly influenced her artistic style, leading to a focus on abstract space.
- 03Jaray's notable works include a mural for the British Pavilion at Expo 67 and public art installations in London and Birmingham.
- 04She taught at the Slade School of Fine Art for over 30 years, shaping the next generation of artists.
- 05Jaray remained active in the art scene, with recent exhibitions in Vienna and a retrospective planned for 2024.
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Tess Jaray, an esteemed abstract painter and educator, passed away at 88, leaving behind a significant legacy in contemporary art. Born in Vienna to a Jewish family, she fled to England during the Nazi regime. Jaray's artistic journey began at the Slade School of Fine Art, where she was influenced by Ernst Gombrich. Her first trip to Italy in 1960 opened her eyes to the architectural beauty of the Renaissance, shaping her understanding of space in art. Known for her geometric abstraction, her works often evoke architectural elements without directly replicating them. Jaray gained recognition for her mural at Expo 67 and public art projects in London and Birmingham. As a dedicated educator, she taught at the Slade for over three decades, inspiring young artists. In her later years, she embraced new technologies in her art and remained engaged with contemporary issues, including nationalism and Brexit. Jaray is survived by her daughters and grandchildren, with a retrospective of her work scheduled for 2024.
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Jaray's contributions to public art and education have influenced generations of artists and enriched the cultural landscape of the UK.
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