LAUNCHPROJECTS - It was with great sadness that we learned of Helmut Lohr's passing on Christmas Day. A bright and shining heart, incredible intuition, remarkable contributions to the art world. We have lost an elegant and pioneering voice in art, performance, music, energy work, and experimental science.
I first met Helmut in the Spring of 2001. A recent transplant to Santa Fe from Paris to direct EVO Gallery, I stood in the crowd at one of our first openings frankly wondering what I was doing in Santa Fe and feeling a little lost. At that moment a stunningly handsome gentleman who beamed with a tender and slightly mischievous grin walked up to me. I held out my hand to formally introduce myself and Helmut enveloped me in a hug, whispering in his thick German accent "thank you for joining this community."
That was the beginning of a long and tender friendship. I was still very young and new to the larger art world, Helmut taught me that heady conceptual art can also be beautiful, heartfelt, and energy-giving. Helmut managed a large exhibition schedule throughout the world and together we created exhibitions, performances, and interventions in Santa Fe, Minneapolis, New York, London, Frankfurt, Munich, and Ruhr. Although an internationally celebrated artist, Helmut chose to relocate to New Mexico to lead a solitary and peaceful existence on Rowe Mesa. On the Mesa he created lush gardens, built a contemporary home, nurtured koi ponds and water lilies, and made his extraordinary objects of art. The entirety of his existence was artful and everyone who made the pilgrimage to see him on the Mesa came back restored, inspired, joyful.
Helmut leaves behind a legacy of innovation in art, music, energy work, and performance. He also leaves an important lesson in generosity and true love. I will always remember his beautiful face and generous smile, deep and joyful laugh, and the way he looked so deeply into my eyes when we talked that words often felt superfluous. We are all so sad to see him go.
In the words and memories of other friends and admirers:
"What a loss. His performances were the most ethereal experiences. He brought a teddy bear from Germany when my son was born. I'll definitely miss conversations with him. I'm sure his soul is in a beautiful place. He was a gentle and beautiful person." - Jon Carver
"A kind, loving human being. Balanced, sensitive, creative, interested. He will be missed." - Ylise Kessler
"Helmut was a kind and gentle man. I met him only briefly two years ago after an introduction by Cyndi at Helmut's studio in Rowe. In the few hours spent at his home viewing his art and enjoying tea, I remember Helmut's generous and open heart. He will be missed by all those who were lucky enough to have met him." -Ben Lincoln
| "He was such a good person. I remember driving with you to visit his studio on a beautiful day many years ago. He used to enjoy sitting in front of Downtown Subscription and I would go over and chat with him. He was also a brilliant artist. We will all miss him." - Edward Borins "Our beloved Helmut... love to you in all of our great loss." - Alexandra Eldridge Love to all in our great loss. Let us all practice love, compassion, and kindness in memory of Helmut Lohr. |
What a beautiful tribute, Cyndi. Thank you. I didn't know Helmut well, but I knew that his kindness and generosity preceded him wherever he went. I still remember him in LA a couple of years ago, giving up his hotel room so that I would have a place to stay when we were all there for Trend magazine.
ReplyDeleteKathryn M Davis
Thanks, Cyndi, for this tribute. As I wrote to Alexandra shortly after Helmut passed,he was a touchstone for me,more than a friend,more than a fellow artist. I share a tremendous sense of loss with all of you.
ReplyDeleteJoe Novak
Thank-you Cyndi for writing this beautiful tribute to Helmut. He touched us all so deeply. A very rare human who had such courage to address the subjects he believed in and create an environment that reflected his exquisite vision. I think I first met you with Helmut at Evo, Cyndi. What a tremendous loss. xxAlexandra
ReplyDeleteAnother thank you, Cyndi. Helmut was wise beyond words, a wonderful being almost from another world, who could see beyond this time and place. The times I was able to spend visiting with him are some of my most treasured memories. Thank you, Helmut, for all you are, and all you have been.
ReplyDeleteRuth LaNore
Thanks so much, Cyndi. I just found out about Helmut's passing and it is so hard to believe. I had the great good fortune of working with Helmut on several multimedia performances. He was an old soul and genius as an artist - I will always treasure all the time spent with Helmut, such a loving and gentle person. wonderful memories...
ReplyDeleteSusan Johns
Beverley from South Africa has only just found out about the death of Helmut. I have known Helmut since 1973 and am very upset about his passing. I knew Helmut as a young man full of joy, kindness and creativity and a loyal friend. I can be contacted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Zulu Department, Howard College). I would be most grateful to have contact with some of his family and friends. Helmut made a trip out to South Africa in 1974 and I have met with him since in Europe.
ReplyDeleteBeverley Muller South Africa January 6th 2012
just stunned to read that old news.
ReplyDeletehelmut´s freedom in phantasy and opened doors, and now he is through them ...
wow.
we had close things togehter, "remains of an absent heart" with organ in the 1990ies ( recorded live at cologne´s most beautiful romanic church st.maria im kapitol)and again "situaion deutschland" in burgk castle, germany at thesilbermann oragn of that heritage place.
some books more ...
thx helmut.
markus emanuel zaja, from germany