Eva Hesse
Sculptor and educator known for minimalism
Born in Germany and later settling in the United States, a sculptor and educator contributed significantly to the art movement known as Minimalism. Throughout the 1960s, created innovative works using materials such as latex, fiberglass, and plastics. The approach combined industrial materials with organic forms, expanding the boundaries of sculpture. Taught at institutions including the School of Visual Arts and Yale University, influencing many emerging artists. Major works include 'Hang Up' and 'No Title (Accession 5)', which showcased a unique exploration of space and form. Passed away in 1970, leaving a lasting legacy in contemporary art.
Created 'Hang Up'
Created 'No Title (Accession 5)'
Other People Born on January 11th
Theodoros Pangalos
Greek politician and military leader
Born
January 11th, 1878 148 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1952 74 years ago — 74 years old
Served as a prominent general and politician in Greece during the early 20th century. Held the position of President of Greece from 1926 to 1929. Participated in military campaigns and was involved in the political landscape during a tumultuous period in Greek history. Took part in the Greco-Turkish War and held various governmental positions, shaping the political environment of the era.
Continue ReadingLaurens Hammond
Engineer and Founder of Hammond Organ
Born
January 11th, 1895 131 years ago
Died
1973 53 years ago — 78 years old
Born in 1895, an engineer and businessman established the Hammond Clock Company, which later developed the Hammond organ. The Hammond organ became a staple in various music genres, including jazz, rock, and gospel. The company produced innovative instruments that significantly changed the landscape of music performance and recording. His work in electromechanical design and music technology contributed to the evolution of organ music during the 20th century.
Continue ReadingConstantin Fehrenbach
Chancellor of Weimar Germany
Born
January 11th, 1852 174 years ago
Died
March 26th, 1926 100 years ago — 74 years old
Served as the 4th Chancellor of Weimar Germany from 1920 to 1921. Before assuming the chancellorship, held various political roles, including leadership positions in the German People's Party. Advocated for democratic principles during a tumultuous period in German history, focusing on stabilizing the government amid significant political and economic challenges. Resigned during a critical financial crisis, which highlighted the difficulties faced by the Weimar Republic.
Continue ReadingAbd-ar-Rahman III
Caliph of Córdoba and Umayyad leader
Born
January 11th, 889 1137 years ago
Became the first Caliph of Córdoba in 929 and established the Umayyad Caliphate in al-Andalus. Reinforced the power and prestige of Córdoba, making it a center of culture, science, and trade in the medieval world. Oversaw significant architectural advancements including the expansion of the Great Mosque of Córdoba. Cultivated relationships with various scholars, poets, and intellectuals, promoting a flourishing cultural environment.
Continue ReadingAlbert Hofmann
Swiss chemist who discovered LSD
Born
January 11th, 1906 120 years ago
Died
April 29th, 2008 18 years ago — 102 years old
A prominent Swiss chemist and academic, contributed significantly to the field of pharmaceuticals. Synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in 1938 while working at Sandoz Laboratories. First ingested LSD personally in 1943, leading to the discovery of its psychedelic effects. Conducted further research on hallucinogenic substances and their potential therapeutic uses. Authored several books on psychedelic substances and their implications in psychology and culture.
Continue ReadingCarroll Shelby
Race car driver and automotive designer
Born
January 11th, 1923 103 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2012 14 years ago — 89 years old
Achieved prominence as a race car driver and automotive designer. Competed in various race events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Developed the Shelby Cobra sports car, which became an iconic symbol of American automotive performance. Established Shelby American, a company that manufactures high-performance cars and parts. Collaborated with Ford to create the Mustang Cobra and the GT350, contributing significantly to the automotive industry.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 29th
Konstantinos Mitsotakis
Greek lawyer and 178th Prime Minister
Born
October 18th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
May 29th, 2017 9 years ago — 98 years old
Born in 1918, a prominent figure in Greek politics served as the Prime Minister from 1990 to 1993. He was instrumental in the modernization of the New Democracy party and focused on economic reforms during his term. Mitsotakis also held various ministerial positions before becoming Prime Minister, including Minister of Transportation and Communications. He actively participated in the Greek political landscape for several decades, contributing to policy discussions and party leadership.
Continue ReadingThomas Rotherham
English cleric and Bishop of Rochester
Born
August 24th, 1423 602 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1500 526 years ago — 76 years old
Served as an English cleric during the 15th century. Held the position of Bishop of Rochester and later became the Archbishop of York. Engaged in the administration of the church and participated in the political landscape of the time. Contributed to educational reforms and founded several institutions including colleges. His influence extended to the royal court, where he acted as an advisor during significant political events.
Continue ReadingMordechai Tzipori
Israeli politician and soldier
Born
September 15th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
May 29th, 2017 9 years ago — 92 years old
A soldier and politician, played a significant role in the early defense of Israel. Participated in the War of Independence and served in various military capacities. Entered politics and served as a member of the Knesset, contributing to policy-making and governance. Held leadership roles in several political parties and was influential in shaping Israel's political landscape.
Continue ReadingMartin Gottfried Weiss
SS Officer involved in war crimes
Born
June 3rd, 1905 121 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1946 80 years ago — 40 years old
Served as an SS officer during World War II, overseeing various administrative roles within the Nazi regime. Involved in implementing policies that facilitated wartime atrocities. Captured after the war and sentenced for war crimes. His actions during the conflict contributed to the broader landscape of Nazi atrocities across German-occupied territories.
Continue ReadingSidhu Moosewala
Indian rapper and politician.
Born
1993 33 years ago
Died
May 29th, 2022 4 years ago — 29 years old
A prominent figure in Punjabi music, this artist gained fame for a distinctive style that fused traditional Punjabi sounds with contemporary hip-hop elements. The debut album, 'So High', released in 2017, launched a successful career in music, accumulating millions of views on platforms like YouTube. Apart from music, involvement in politics included a candidacy for the Punjab Legislative Assembly in 2022. The artist's work often featured themes of love, struggle, and identity, resonating with a large audience. The untimely death in 2022 led to widespread mourning among fans and the Punjabi community worldwide.
Continue ReadingMargaret Barr
Choreographer of dance-drama works
Born
November 29th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1991 35 years ago — 86 years old
A choreographer and teacher of dance-drama, this individual significantly contributed to the development of dance education in Australia. Focused on integrating dance with dramatic expression, innovative techniques were employed to explore storytelling through movement. Mentored numerous dancers and influenced the evolution of dance curricula in various institutions. Involved in establishing dance as a formal subject in schools, and served as a foundation for future generations of Australian dancers. The legacy encompasses the promotion of dance as an essential art form in the educational landscape.
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