Peter Nagy, who established Nature Morte and worked as an American artist and gallerist, passed away at age 67 on October 13 following a prolonged illness, according to the Hindustan Times. He spent over three decades living in Delhi.
Nagy studied at Parsons before launching his career as both an artist and a gallerist. His death follows a career that bridged the 1980s New York East Village scene with the art scene in Delhi.
Founding Nature Morte in the New York East Village
In 1982, Nagy and the artist Alan Belcher opened the original Nature Morte in the East Village. While the surrounding neighborhood was then dominated by expressionist paintings and graffiti characteristic of Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat’s milieu, Nature Morte took a contrasting path by exhibiting detached, conceptual pieces that framed art as a commercial product influenced by logos and advertising.
The gallery operated in New York until closing in 1988. By the time Samar Jodha returned to the city in the 1990s—amidst sweeping urban changes under Mayor Rudy Giuliani—Nagy had already left, as documented by the Hindustan Times.
Relocating to Delhi and Reshaping Indian Contemporary Art
Nagy arrived in Delhi in 1992 intending to stay for a year, but he never left. India was then coming out of its socialist experiment, and the contemporary art scene relied on a small circle of collectors who mostly bought the established names. Younger artists often lacked international exposure.
In 1997, Nagy reopened Nature Morte with two Indian partners and no fixed address, putting up shows wherever he could. The gallery went on to represent Subodh Gupta, Bharti Kher, and Jitish Kallat among others. In an interview cited by the Hindustan Times, Nagy recalled that early on, people thought he was “nuts” for showing Subodh Gupta’s work.
In August, the gallery marked 30 years in Delhi. Nagy continued making his own art alongside his work, maintaining a reputation for his dry humour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peter Nagy and Nature Morte
When did Peter Nagy pass away?
Peter Nagy died on October 13 at the age of 67 following a long illness, according to reporting by the Hindustan Times.
When did Nature Morte open in Delhi?
After closing its original New York location in 1988, Nagy moved to Delhi in 1992 and reopened Nature Morte there in 1997 alongside two Indian partners.
Which artists did Nature Morte represent in India?
The gallery went on to represent Subodh Gupta, Bharti Kher, and Jitish Kallat among others.