Hal Hirshorn, Artist of Otherworldly Photos and Paintings, Dies at 60

Hal Hirshorn, a ubiquitous figure in New York City's art world yet distinctively detached from its commercial frenzy, passed away on February 4 at the age of 60 due to coronary artery disease, as confirmed by his sister, Harriet Hirshorn. Known for his enthralling photographs and landscape paintings, Hirshorn employed 19th-century techniques using antique cameras and homemade paints, striving for an ethereal quality in his work. Despite the prevailing art-market boom that absorbed many of his contemporaries, Hirshorn opted not to engage in the conventional gallery circuit, embodying a different model of artistic existence, seemingly free from financial motivations. His website displayed only a few pieces without any personal or contact details. His work was entirely analog; Hirshorn crafted his own paints using traditional methods and sourced obscure camera parts from the Chelsea flea market. His untimely demise occurred on the Upper East Side of Manhattan while celebrating an exhibition showcasing his work. Extracted by: https://Janestrinketonline.com.