Hauser & Wirth and 303 Gallery have announced the passing of artist Mary Heilmann, aged 86, on 14 August 2026 on Long Island, New York. She is survived by her nieces, Ann Jaime and Chris Heilmann, and her nephew, John Heilmann Jr., and their families. She was predeceased by her brother John and his wife Linda.

Iwan Wirth, President of Hauser & Wirth, reflected, ‘Manuela, Ursula and I met Mary in the spring of 1994. We were introduced to her by the artist Patty Martori and we started to collect her work right away. Mary also introduced us to other artists she knew and admired like Louise Bourgeois. Our first project with Mary was her book ‘The All Night Movie,’ which is kind of an autobiography as an artist book, and our first show with her came along in 1997, with so many to follow. Mary was really our first love.’ Mary had 10 exhibitions with the gallery since 1997 and will be greatly missed by all.

‘Mary Heilmann’s work combined formal innovation with a distinctly personal and playful sensibility. Over five decades, she carved out a singular position in contemporary art with her daring balance of rigor and geometry with improvisation and gesture, alongside a palette of vibrant color. This approach has reshaped how we might think about Minimal or Postminimal art—once defined by a severe restraint of color and form. Mary brought joy, emotion, and freedom to her paintings and sculptures and we are proud to have presented her work at Dia not once but twice, recognizing the enduring significance and influence of her practice.’ - Jessica Morgan, Director of the Dia Art Foundation

photo: Joe Gaffney