March 07

Born in 1865, Akseli Gallen-Kallela studied art in Helsinki and Paris, embracing Symbolism and Romanticism. He created iconic works like the Aino Triptych and the kalevala-themed murals at the National Museum of Finland. His bold colors and dramatic compositions captured Finnish folklore and landscapes. Gallen-Kallela traveled to East Africa, which inspired vibrant sketches and watercolors. As a teacher and author, he influenced generations of Finnish artists and helped shape Finland’s cultural identity.

Wyndham Lewis (1882–1957) was an English artist and writer who spearheaded the Vorticist movement, emphasizing bold abstraction and modernist ideals. Born in Canada and raised in England, he studied at the Slade School of Art before embracing European avant-garde trends. As a painter, his works challenged traditional perspectives, merging Cubism with the dynamism of machine-age motifs. He founded the Vorticist journal BLAST, championing radical aesthetics. Lewis was also a prolific critic and author, publishing essays, novels, and art reviews that shaped early 20th-century cultural discourse. His dual roles as artist and intellectual made him a central figure in avant-garde circles across Europe.

Igor Markevitch (1912-1983) was a Ukrainian-born conductor and composer acclaimed for his precise musicianship and innovative works. A child prodigy, he studied under composers Ottorino Respighi and Béla Bartók and quickly gained recognition in Europe. Markevitch served as a conductor for major orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra and Orchestre Lamoureux. He composed orchestral suites, chamber music, and choral pieces that blend modernist and neoclassical styles. His recordings are noted for their clarity and vitality, influencing generations of musicians. Later in life, he taught at prestigious institutions and mentored young artists. His legacy endures through his compositions and landmark performances.

Ülo Õun (1940-1988) was an Estonian sculptor celebrated for his unique approach to the human figure. Educated at the Estonian Academy of Arts, he developed a signature style combining abstraction with expressive realism. Õun's sculptures often feature elongated limbs and simplified facial features, exploring themes of identity and form. He exhibited widely in Estonia and participated in international sculpture symposiums. His public works can be found in parks and galleries across Estonia. Õun's art contributed to the development of modern sculpture in the region. His innovative techniques continue to influence contemporary Estonian artists.

Pee Wee King (1914–2000) was an American country music singer, songwriter, and bandleader who helped shape the genre in the mid-20th century. Born Julius Frank Anthony Kuczynski in Wisconsin, he led the Golden West Cowboys and blended traditional country with popular rhythms. King co-wrote 'Tennessee Waltz,' which became one of the most enduring standards in American music and a global hit. He was a charter member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, celebrated for his smooth vocals and memorable melodies. His innovative arrangements and songwriting influenced generations of country artists and broadened the genre's appeal.

John Box (1920–2005) was an English production designer and art director celebrated for his work on some of the most iconic films of the 20th century. Over a four-decade career, he won Academy Awards for his designs on Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, and Oliver!. Box collaborated with directors like David Lean and Richard Attenborough, creating immersive, visually stunning environments. His meticulous attention to period detail and grand-scale set pieces set new standards in production design. Box's influence endures in modern filmmaking, inspiring designers to craft worlds that deepen storytelling.

Gordon Parks (1912–2006) was a trailblazing American photographer, director, writer, and composer whose work documented race relations, poverty, and civil rights. He became the first African American staff photographer at Life magazine, producing powerful photo essays that exposed social injustices. Parks directed landmark films including The Learning Tree and the Blaxploitation classic Shaft, becoming one of Hollywood's first black directors. He also composed music for his films and authored several novels and memoirs. Parks' art and activism left a lasting legacy in both photography and cinema, inspiring generations of artists.

Peter Banks (1947–2013) was an English musician best known as the original guitarist and co-founder of the progressive rock band Yes. Active during the late 1960s and early 1970s, he helped shape the band's early sound on their debut album. Banks left Yes to form the band Flash, where his melodic style and inventive effects continued to gain acclaim. He recorded several solo albums and collaborated with artists across various genres throughout his career. His pioneering work in progressive rock influenced generations of guitarists and remains celebrated by fans worldwide.

Born in 1923 in Keithville, Louisiana, Claude King began his recording career in the 1950s. He signed with Columbia Records and released his signature hit 'Wolverton Mountain' in 1962, which topped the country charts. Throughout his career, he recorded several albums and charted multiple singles, highlighting his smooth vocals and guitar prowess. He toured extensively across the United States, captivating audiences with his storytelling songs. He continued to write and perform into his later years, leaving a lasting legacy in country music.

Born in 1935 in Osaka, Yoshihiro Tatsumi revolutionized Japanese comics by introducing the 'gekiga' style, which emphasized mature themes and cinematic storytelling. His works, including 'Black Blizzard', challenged traditional manga conventions with darker narratives and detailed art. Tatsumi's influence extended beyond Japan as his stories were featured in international exhibitions and publications. He wrote essays advocating for comics as a serious art form and influenced the global perception of graphic storytelling. His legacy lives on through modern graphic novelists who continue to explore complex, adult-oriented narratives.

Born in 1961 in Oakland, California, D'Wayne Wiggins co-founded the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! with his cousins. The band achieved mainstream success in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like 'Feels Good'. As lead guitarist and vocalist, his soulful riffs and harmonies defined the group's sound. Wiggins later transitioned into production, collaborating with artists such as Alicia Keys and Q-Tip. Through his label Wiggins Entertainment, he has mentored emerging talent and influenced the neo-soul and R&B scenes.