TRIBUTE TO AIDAN WALSH

A gentle giant in the art world … (Marianne Meijer pays tribute to her friend and fellow artist)

Well-known Durban artist Aidan Walsh died in the early hours of this morning (July 11) after having been seriously ill for a number of months. He leaves his long-term partner of over 40 years, equally well-known artist Andrew Verster.

Friend and fellow artist Marianne Meijer writes: “Aidan Walsh was not only a fantastic artist, he was so much more …a gentle giant in the art world. He always had time for an earnest chat or some light-hearted bantering. In his earlier days he was the life and soul at parties, sometimes dancing on the table at other moments sitting quietly and having an intimate chat. Where he was, there was laughter and happiness.

Aidan spent many years as curator of the NSA Gallery (now the KZNSA) and during that time we became personal friends.

I will never forget you, Aidan, because you were so unique.

His last few months he suffered and spent some time in hospital. In sickness and in health he was loved and respected and his death leaves an enormous emptiness in the art world.”