Robert Smithson

Sculptor and photographer, Spiral Jetty

Robert Smithson - Sculptor and photographer, Spiral Jetty
Born

January 2nd, 1938
87 years ago

Died

July 20th, 1973
51 years ago — 35 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

This individual was an American sculptor and photographer associated with the land art movement. Born in 1938, significant works include the iconic Spiral Jetty, constructed in 1970 on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Spiral Jetty is a 1,500-foot-long coil made of earth, rocks, and salt crystals, illustrating the synergy between art and nature. In addition to large-scale installations, this individual also produced a substantial body of photography and writings that explored the concepts of time and space within the context of landscape. The artist's innovative approach has influenced subsequent generations of artists and has been a pivotal part of discussions regarding environmental art.

Created the Spiral Jetty in 1970

Contributed essays on land art

Produced significant photographic works

Other People Born on January 2nd

Juanita Jackson Mitchell

American lawyer and civil rights activist
Born
January 2nd, 1913 112 years ago
Died
1992 33 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent civil rights lawyer and activist, contributed significantly to the fight for racial equality in the United States. Played a key role in organizing legal strategies for civil rights cases during the 20th century, particularly in Maryland. Served as the first African American woman to practice law in Maryland. Advocated for school desegregation and worked with various organizations to promote voting rights. Her efforts helped to challenge discriminatory practices and advance civil rights legislation.

Continue Reading

Folke Bernadotte

Swedish diplomat and humanitarian leader
Born
January 2nd, 1895 130 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1948 76 years ago — 53 years old

A diplomat from Sweden, played a significant role in international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts during and after World War II. Instrumental in negotiating the release of prisoners during the war, he facilitated the safe passage of thousands of Jewish refugees from Nazi-occupied territories. Additionally, served as the first United Nations mediator in the Arab-Israeli conflict, proposing peace plans aimed at resolving the dispute. Assassinated in 1948 while undertaking efforts to mediate a ceasefire, leaving a legacy of dedication to diplomacy and humanitarianism.

Continue Reading

Kane Tanaka

Japanese Supercentenarian, Oldest Person
Born
January 2nd, 1903 122 years ago
Died
April 19th, 2022 3 years ago — 119 years old

Born in Japan, lived to the age of 119, becoming the oldest verified living person in the world. Held the title of the oldest verified Japanese person ever. Resided in Fukuoka, Japan, and enjoyed playing board games and solving arithmetic. Contributed to various discussions about longevity and health.

Continue Reading

Beatrice Hicks

Engineer and pioneer in telecommunications
Born
January 2nd, 1919 106 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 60 years old

Pioneered advancements in telecommunications engineering. Contributed to the development of sensors and other technologies essential for radar systems. Worked at Bell Telephone Laboratories, focusing on the field of electronics. Co-founded the Society of Women Engineers and advocated for women’s roles in engineering and the sciences. Held numerous patents and authored publications throughout a lengthy career.

Continue Reading

Guglielmo Libri Carucci dalla Sommaja

Italian mathematician and academic
Born
January 2nd, 1803 222 years ago
Died
1869 156 years ago — 66 years old

Born in 1803, a mathematician and academic contributed significantly to mathematics, particularly in the fields of algebra and calculus. An advocate for mathematical education, held a position at the University of Pisa, where efforts focused on improving curriculum and teaching methods. Engaged in research that enhanced the understanding of differential equations and their applications. Left a legacy through published works that included papers and textbooks, influencing the academic landscape in Italy and beyond.

Continue Reading

William Fox-Pitt

Equestrian rider and journalist, eventing
Born
January 2nd, 1969 56 years ago

An accomplished equestrian rider specialized in eventing, contributed significantly through participation in international competitions. Represented Great Britain at multiple championships, achieving notable success. Awarded the title of European Champion and secured medals at the World Equestrian Games and the Olympics. In addition to competitive achievements, contributed to horse riding journalism, sharing insights and experiences within the equestrian community.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on July 20th

Toba

Emperor of Japan during the Heian period
Born
1103 922 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1156 868 years ago — 53 years old

Ascended the throne in 1107 and reigned until 1123. His reign is characterized by the continued decline of imperial power and the increasing influence of the Fujiwara clan. Known for the establishment of the cloistered government system, which allowed emperors to exercise power from religious retirement. After abdication, he remained influential as a cloistered emperor for several years, actively participating in the politics of the court until his death. The era was marked by cultural developments including the flourishing of Japanese literature and art.

Continue Reading

Andrey Markov

Mathematician known for Markov chains
Born
June 14th, 1856 169 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1922 102 years ago — 66 years old

This Russian mathematician contributed significantly to probability theory and statistical processes. He introduced Markov chains, a mathematical system that undergoes transitions from one state to another on a state space. This concept has been applied across various fields, including economics, genetics, and computer science. Markov also explored the theory of stochastic processes and earned recognition through publications that influenced the development of modern probability and statistics. His work laid foundational principles for future research and applications in various scientific disciplines.

Continue Reading

Johann Christoph Pepusch

Composer and theorist of opera and oratorio
Born
1667 358 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1752 272 years ago — 85 years old

A significant figure in early 18th-century music, contributed extensively to the development of English opera and oratorio. Worked in London, influencing the music scene with compositions that blended German and English styles. Developed a reputation for theatrical music, particularly notable for contributions to ballad opera, an important precursor to later forms of musical theatre. Collaborated with playwrights and lyricists, elevating the status of English opera in a period dominated by Italian influences.

Continue Reading

Boniface VII

Antipope of Rome during the 10th century
Died
July 20th, 985 1039 years ago — None years old

Elected as antipope in 974, served briefly and was an influential figure in the turbulent period of the 10th-century papacy. Deposed and subsequently returned to power, appertained to multiple conflicts leading to his controversial rule. His papacy was marked by political intrigue and rivalries among various factions within Rome. Following his death, the legitimacy of his papal claim faced scrutiny, contributing to the complexities of the era's ecclesiastical history.

Continue Reading

Vince Foster

American lawyer and political figure
Born
January 15th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1993 31 years ago — 48 years old

Born in 1945, an attorney served in the White House Counsel's office during the Clinton administration. Involved in various legal and political matters, held significant roles in the administration, including deputy counsel. Foster's career included work at prominent law firms, and he contributed to policy discussions and legal strategies for the administration until his untimely death in 1993.

Continue Reading

Paul Delvaux

Belgian painter of surrealist works
Born
September 23rd, 1897 127 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1994 30 years ago — 96 years old

Born in 1897, a Belgian painter associated with the Surrealist movement, predominantly focused on themes of dreams and the subconscious. This artist studied at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels and developed a unique style characterized by the incorporation of classical themes and figures into mysterious, dreamlike settings. Often depicted solitary women against surreal backdrops, including urban landscapes and mythological elements. Throughout the career, significant exhibitions in Europe showcased the evolution of the artistic vision and technique. Noteworthy works include 'Les Vénus'.

Continue Reading