May 10

Born in 1760 in Edo (now Tokyo), Hokusai became one of Japan's most celebrated ukiyo-e painters and printmakers. He produced the famous series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, featuring the iconic Great Wave off Kanagawa. Hokusai's innovative techniques and bold compositions influenced both Japanese and Western art. Throughout his long career, he created thousands of works ranging from landscapes to sketches and illustrated books. His artistic vision helped bridge traditional Japanese art with emerging global trends.

Mikhail Larionov (1881–1964) was a pioneering artist at the forefront of early 20th-century Russian modernism. Alongside Natalia Goncharova, he co-founded Rayonism, an abstract style emphasizing the play of light rays. Larionov's work extended to stage design for Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, where his inventive costumes and sets reshaped theatrical aesthetics. After emigrating in 1915, he exhibited across Europe, influencing avant-garde circles in Paris and London. His legacy endures in museums worldwide, celebrating his contributions to painting and theater arts.

Hal Mohr was an influential figure in Hollywood's golden age of cinematography. Born in 1894, he pioneered camera techniques that contributed to the visual language of cinema. In 1935, he became the only person to win an Academy Award via a write-in vote for his work on "A Midsummer Night's Dream." He later won a second Oscar for "The Phantom of the Opera." Mohr served as president of the American Society of Cinematographers and mentored generations of filmmakers. His career spanned silent films through the advent of color and sound, leaving a lasting impact on the craft.

Peter Weiss was a multifaceted artist born in 1916 who left a profound mark on both literature and visual art. His play "The Investigation," based on the Frankfurt Auschwitz trials, is celebrated for its documentary style and moral force. Weiss's writings, including the novel "The Aesthetics of Resistance," explore themes of power, memory, and social justice. As a painter, he experimented with abstract and expressive techniques, exhibiting across Europe. His work continues to inspire discussions on history, politics, and the role of art in society.

Shel Silverstein captivated audiences with his playful poetry, imaginative illustrations, and memorable songs. Born in 1930, he began by publishing cartoons and poems in magazines such as Playboy. Silverstein’s timeless children's classics, including "Where the Sidewalk Ends" and "A Light in the Attic," have sold millions of copies worldwide. He also penned hit songs like "A Boy Named Sue," popularized by Johnny Cash. His versatile talent and charm left an indelible mark on literature and music before his death in 1999.

Dick Sprang was born in 1915 and became a pivotal figure in American comic art. He contributed to Detective Comics and illustrated Batman stories from the 1940s into the 1950s. Sprang's bold and dynamic illustrations defined the visual style of the Dark Knight for a generation. His work was celebrated for its clear lines, heroic compositions, and imaginative designs. After leaving comics, he pursued fine art painting but remained beloved by comic enthusiasts. He died in 2000, remembered as one of the most influential Batman artists of his era.

Kaifi Azmi was born in 1919 into a celebrated family of poets and became a leading figure in Urdu literature. A member of the Progressive Writers' Movement, he wrote poems addressing social justice and human dignity. Azmi later transitioned to Bollywood, penning memorable film songs that blended poetic depth with popular appeal. He mentored generations of writers and was awarded the Padma Shri and the Sahitya Akademi Award. Azmi's work bridged traditional Urdu poetry and contemporary social themes, earning him widespread respect. He passed away in 2002, leaving an enduring impact on Indian literature and cinema.

Soraya was born in 1969 in New York to Colombian parents and raised between two cultures. She rose to fame in the 1990s with her blend of Latin pop and rock, singing in both Spanish and English. As a multi-instrumentalist, she played guitar and produced much of her own music, earning critical acclaim. Her albums tackled personal and social themes, and she became a voice for Latin women in music. After a battle with breast cancer, she used her platform to raise awareness for the disease. Soraya passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of crossover hits and philanthropic efforts.

Leyla Gencer was born in Istanbul in 1928 and studied music in Italy, launching her opera career in the early 1950s. She became renowned for her powerful yet nuanced voice, excelling in roles by Rossini, Donizetti, and Bellini. Gencer performed at major opera houses, including the Teatro alla Scala and the Metropolitan Opera. Her dynamic stage presence and dramatic interpretations earned her the nickname 'La Diva Turca'. Beyond opera, she taught masterclasses and mentored young singers later in her career. Gencer passed away in 2008, remembered as one of the 20th century's greatest bel canto sopranos.

Frank Frazetta was born in 1928 and became a leading figure in fantasy and science fiction illustration. His iconic book and magazine covers, particularly of Conan the Barbarian, redefined the visual language of the genre. Frazetta's bold brushwork and imaginative compositions inspired countless artists and shaped pop culture. He also worked in film, graphic novels, and fine art, demonstrating versatility across mediums. Many of his original paintings have become highly sought-after collectibles among art enthusiasts. Frazetta passed away in 2010, leaving a legacy as a master of fantasy illustration whose influence endures.

Horst Faas was born in 1933 in Berlin and began his career with the Associated Press in the 1950s. He captured some of the most iconic images of the Vietnam War, earning Pulitzer Prizes in 1965 and 1972. Faas's photographs brought the realities of conflict to living rooms around the world, influencing public opinion. As a photo editor, he mentored a generation of war photographers and advocated for ethical journalism. He later covered crises in Biafra, Nigeria, and elsewhere, demonstrating a commitment to frontline reporting. Faas passed away in 2012, remembered as one of the foremost photojournalists of the 20th century.

Chris Burden was an American artist known for innovative sculptures and performance art. He initially gained attention for his radical early performance pieces, including the 1971 work 'Shoot.' Burden's sculptures often incorporated light, steel, and found objects to explore themes of technology and power. As an illustrator, he created detailed drawings that complemented his spatial work. He served as a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, mentoring emerging artists. His public commissions and exhibitions worldwide cemented his reputation as a pioneering voice in contemporary art.