Also this year the British artist Chris Barker has chosen to remember the most influential and loved personalities in our history left during 2024 through a collage inspired by the famous album cover Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band of the Beatles.
A tradition that has been going on since 2016the year in which Barker began creating this evocative work to honor artists, musicians, sportsmen and iconic figures who have marked the history of popular culture and who died during the year.
Among the international names remembered in 2024, some giants of cinema and music stand out. Maggie Smithunforgettable British actress loved for her roles in Harry Potter And Downton Abbeyleft a huge void in the hearts of his fans. Next to her, he left Donald SutherlandCanadian actor loved for his roles in films such as MASH And The night of the eagle.
Italian cinema has also lost an important figure: Franco Neroknown for his iconic roles in spaghetti westerns such as Django and for a long international career. It then turned off James Earl JonesDarth Vader’s unforgettable voice in Star Wars and Mufasa ne The Lion King. Let’s not forget either Alain Delon who needs no introduction, and Michael Newman, the famous face of Baywatch.
There is also a reference to Trump’s election
The music world cried instead Quincy Joneslegendary producer and composer who collaborated with artists such as Michael Jackson, and Tina Turnerundisputed queen of rock. 2024 has also taken away some icons such as Eric Carmensinger known for timeless hits such as All By MyselfAnd Vic Flicklegendary guitarist of the James Bond theme. Barker then remembers Liam Payne, One Direction singer who passed away in circumstances yet to be clarified.
As for sport, everyone was moved by the farewell to Totò Schillacisymbol of the Italy ’90 World Cup. He also left us Franz Beckenbauerlegend of German football and central figure in the development of the modern game. Tied to Italy it was Sven-Göran Erikssonthe coach who led Lazio to the historic scudetto in 2000.
Among the faces of television, we remember Richard Simmonsfamous American fitness coach and television personality, and Shannen Dohertyprotagonist of cult series such as Beverly Hills 90210 And Witches. Barker’s homage is transversal. In fact he also remembered Akira Toriyamacreator of the manga Dragon BallAnd Thomas E. Kurtzinventor of the BASIC language, fundamental for the development of modern programming.
Finally, the reference to “death of American democracy” which we find at the bottom of the centre, represented by a cap with the slogan of the future US president Donald Trump with the words “Make America Great Again”.
Chris Barker’s work, like every year, reminds us of the impact these people have had on our lives, paying homage to their extraordinary careers and contributing to keep the memory alive.
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