It is with great sadness and shock that we acknowledge the sudden passing of our friend and Guildhouse Board Member, Hossein Valamanesh.
We extend our deepest condolences to Hossein’s wife Angela, their son Nassiem and their loved ones.
Hossein Valamanesh was an internationally acclaimed artist who inspired many.
Hossein emigrated from Iran to Australia in 1973. Working with different media from installation to sculpture, painting, collage and video, Hossein was inspired by personal experiences and memories. Using ordinary objects and natural materials, Hossein created visual poetry that reflected on his life in Australia and his experiences of his birthplace, Iran.
His work is held in significant collections in Australia including the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra and the Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide. The first European solo exhibition of Hossein’s work, Puisque tout passe (This will also pass) is currently showing at the Institut des Cultures d’Islam (ICI) in Paris.
Hossein and Angela Valamanesh have been leaders in the national and international arts community. Together, Angela and Hossein completed a number of major public art commissions, including Ginkgo Gate, a new western entrance to the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide (2011); 14 Pieces on North Terrace, Adelaide (2005); and An Gorta Mor, a memorial to the Great Irish Famine at Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney (1999).
Anyone who met Hossein will remember him as a kind and gentle person, who quietly made his mark throughout our industry leading by inspired creativity, thoughtfulness and love.
Hossein’s thoughtful and humorous manner had an inimitable influence on our lives, to our community’s experience of art, and to our organisation. His warmth will continue to radiate through his work, and we are so grateful and indebted for this.
Hossein’s contribution to Guildhouse through his involvement on our board, support of our staff and leadership within our community will be dearly missed.
Andrew Cohen
Chair, Guildhouse Board
Emma Fey
CEO, Guildhouse
