Damon Albarn’s father Keith dies aged 85: Art and design expert passes away after being diagnosed with cancer

Damon Albarn's father Keith dies aged 85: Art and design expert passes away after being diagnosed with cancer

As an ardent fan of the enigmatic Damon Albarn and the illustrious Blur, I find myself deeply moved by the news of the passing of his father, Keith Albarn. A man whose influence transcended the realms of art and design, he was a beacon in the creative world, leaving an indelible mark that will continue to inspire generations to come.


Damon Albarn’s father Keith Albarn has died aged 85. 

Damon Albarn’s father, aged 56, is an experienced professional with a focus on art and design. He has authored numerous books and articles, made appearances on television and radio, and contributed to the field in various ways.

On July 25, Keith sadly lost his life following a cancer diagnosis. Specifics about his health condition have not yet been shared openly.

As per The Times’ obituary, Keith was particularly renowned for his academic work on patterns, and he was deeply involved in various art institutions. For instance, he served as a trustee at The Minories and the Colchester Arts Centre.

He was also head of the School for Art, Design, and Media at Colchester Institute. 

Damon Albarn's father Keith dies aged 85: Art and design expert passes away after being diagnosed with cancer

Damon Albarn's father Keith dies aged 85: Art and design expert passes away after being diagnosed with cancer

In 2013, The Minories gallery showcased a collection of artwork stemming from four decades of exploration; an evolving sequence of designs derived from a straightforward numerical puzzle.

For more than four decades, Keith has delved into the study of numerical systems and patterns, exploring their connections to cognitive phenomena such as beliefs, symptoms, and creative processes.

He created countless innovative patterns that span multiple dimensions, offering limitless opportunities for diverse results.

At The Minories Galleries, some of the potential options were showcased by means of an organized setting featuring prints, sculptures, interactive art activities, and audio pieces.

Initially, he studied architecture to channel his creative thoughts, but later, he identified as an environmental artist – a role he adopted after nurturing a passion for environmental artistry.

Growing up, I’ve always admired that my parents, Edward and Lucy, had a shared passion for the creative world – my dad delved into architecture at the Leicester College of Arts and Technology, while my mom explored her artistic talents there as well. It was evident that this love for design ran deep in our family lineage, shaping my own fascination with architecture to this very day.

In my journey, similar to my beloved father, I too found myself tying the knot with an artistic soul by the name of Hazel. Our paths crossed during my time at the Nottingham School of Art, where our shared passion for art brought us together.

After their wedding, the couple relocated to London where Keith pursued sculpture studies at the Hammersmith Art School.

Alongside Hazel and event designer Ian Knight, they founded the company Keith Albarn & Partners Ltd on Kingly Street.

Damon Albarn's father Keith dies aged 85: Art and design expert passes away after being diagnosed with cancer

Following the launch of his venture, Keith found himself deeply involved in the vibrant London art community. In 1966, he played a significant role in orchestrating Yoko Ono’s inaugural exhibition at the Indica Gallery, an event where John Lennon had his first encounter with Yoko.

In 1967, he also hosted his first exhibition of work by Malcolm McLaren. 

Additionally, Keith temporarily oversaw the Soft Machine rock group and transported a truckload of Ekistikit equipment to the French Riviera, as the band was scheduled to perform a series of concerts there.

Eager to captivate his audience, Keith prepared a striking performance by soaking the area with gasoline. As the band took the stage, Keith ignited the fueled spots, causing the backdrop behind them to burst into flames.

Additionally, Keith unintentionally accelerated the development of the childhood camaraderie between his son Damon and Graham Coxon, now 55 years old. This friendship later culminated in the formation of the rock group Blur in 1989.

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2024-08-13 16:03

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