Ben, the French artist best recognized for his irreverent approach to modern art, died at 88. He took his life hours after his wife passed away.
Annie Vautier, Ben's wife, died that morning. The Vautier family posted on the Facebook page of the family's gallery that Annie suffered a stroke on Monday, June 10.
The artist's family said in the south of France, "Unwilling and unable to live without her, Ben killed himself a few hours later at their home."
"Geniuses never stay alone," his family added.
Ben, born in 1935 as Benjamin Vautier, gained recognition for his whimsical yet insightful contributions to modern art. His unique style often included whimsical, kid-written black-on-white slogans that captured the attention of viewers worldwide.
According to CNN, in addition to his renowned artistic endeavors, Ben was honored for his performative art, which included the bold gesture of signing common objects and other artists' works.
The artist traveled throughout Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, and Egypt throughout his formative years until settling in Nice in 1949, where he would make a lasting impression on the art world. A self-taught artist, he started his artistic career in the late 1950s when he opened a store in Nice that functioned as a meeting place for artists and an area for exhibitions and discussions.
Ben, a prominent figure in the Fluxus movement during the 1960s, approached art with a fun and experimental approach, seeking to blur the boundaries between art and daily life.
The news of Ben's passing prompted tributes from all over the world. The Elysee Palace paid tribute to Ben, hailing him as "one of France's most popular artists," and reflected on his enduring legacy, highlighting his ability to infuse ordinary objects with freedom and poetry.
Furthermore, Ben's artistic legacy surpasses borders as his works are displayed at prestigious institutions such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. According to CNN, the Centre Pompidou in Paris has a moving reconstruction of his original store, with his signature handwriting, which honors his creative spirit.
