In a week of artistic tributes, we honour the legacy of a Mexican sculptor who explored the human form, a British street artist who painted his way into royal controversy, and a commercial photographer who captured the essence of a seven-decade career. Geles Cabrera, Helch, and Jay Maisel, among others, shaped the mediums they worked in, leaving behind a lasting impact on the art world.

Mexican sculptor Geles Cabrera, born in 1926 and passed away in 2026, was a trailblazer in exploring the expressiveness of the human body. Her work, which moved fluently between figuration and abstraction, gained recognition when she received the Bellas Artes Medal in Visual Arts in 2024, Mexico's highest artistic honour.

The anonymous British street artist Helch, active until 2026, left his mark on London's public infrastructure with his tag, 'HELCH.' His most daring act of tagging a railway viaduct, visible from Windsor Castle, the royal residence, sparked controversy and royal displeasure.

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, born in 1929 and deceased in 2026, was a master of hallucinations and psychological phenomena, creating kaleidoscopic, polka-dotted works that captivated the world. Her influence on key art movements, including Minimalism and Pop Art, is undeniable, though recent revelations about her past have tarnished her image.

British ceramicist, photographer, and philanthropist Christina Gascoigne, born in 1939 and passed away in 2026, made a significant impact on the arts through her ceramics and photography. Her work includes a home she transformed into the Grange Park Opera, a 700-seat venue in West Horsley, England.

Photographer Jay Maisel, born in 1931 and deceased in 2026, reshaped commercial photography across a seven-decade career. His iconic work on the cover of Miles Davis's 1959 album Kind of Blue is just one example of his influence on the commercial and cultural landscape.