The Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies is profoundly saddened to learn of the death of artist Sidney B. Felsen. Sidney was deeply admired by everyone at FAPE.
Our friendship started in 1995 when Gemini G.E.L. agreed to donate the publishing of Roy Lichtenstein’s Composition III for our Original Print Collection. It was the second edition in the Collection, and it started a wonderful tradition between FAPE and Gemini.
They generously donated another nine editions between 1997 and 2016 by artists John Baldessari, Frank Gehry, Ellsworth Kelly, Julie Mehretu, Elizabeth Murray, Susan Rothenberg, Ed Ruscha, Joel Shapiro, and Terry Winters.
Sidney was rarely without a stylish hat and suit, and, most importantly, a camera. He was a brilliant photographer and in 2014, we welcomed The Artist Observed, to our Photography Collection.
The portfolio includes a photograph of each artist for which Gemini published a print for FAPE. His work can be seen in U.S. Embassies from London to Singapore.
Sidney said about his gift, “The spirit of Gemini is best captured by the word ‘collaboration.’ It’s about artists and printers working hand-in-hand to create works of art. This same spirit prevails when I take photos. There’s a trust extended by the artists, allowing me to share so many remarkable moments with them. My greatest thanks go to them for this special permission they grant me.”
Sidney’s work will have a lasting impact and remain an important part of our nation’s cultural diplomacy efforts around the world.
We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Joni; his daughter, Suzanne; as well as his entire family and the Gemini G.E.L. team.
