Video artist Juan Downey died June 9 of cancer at his home in Manhattan. He was 53.
A native of Santiago, Chile, Downey began his career as a draftsman after being educated in Chile, Paris and the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.
Having purchased a portable camera, Downey began experimenting with the video medium in 1967 and in 1969 had his first one-man exhibition in New York City.
In 1970, Downey joined the Howard Wise Gallery, which specialized in Kinetic Art and for the next several years devoted himself completely to videotapes, performances and installation pieces.
Through the years Downey held many one-man shows and his work is represented in many collections worldwide including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum.
He is survived by his wife, Marilys; two stepdaughters and two stepsons; seven brothers and sisters.
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