Lorraine O’Grady, Visionary Artist and Writer, Dies at 90

The pioneering conceptual artist challenged race, gender, and class norms through groundbreaking performances and photography.

Lorraine O’Grady, known for her innovative performance art and photography, passed away at her home in New York at age 90, as confirmed by her trust.
O’Grady’s most iconic works include the Mlle Bourgeoise Noire performances, where she critiqued art world exclusivity, and Art Is…, a public art project at Harlem’s African-American Day Parade.
Her practice emphasized ‘both/and thinking,’ critiquing racism, misogyny, and privilege while centering the experiences of Black women in art and society.
O’Grady’s career began later in life, transitioning from roles in government, translation, and music criticism to becoming a leading voice in conceptual art by her mid-40s.
Her influence has grown in recent years, with major retrospectives, scholarly recognition, and her work featured in prominent exhibitions on contemporary and historical themes.