NEW YORK, NEW YORK — The art world mourns the loss of Jackie Ferrara, the visionary sculptor renowned for transforming minimalist principles into architectural, geometric wooden forms. Ferrara passed away at the age of 95 on Wednesday, October 22, choosing to end her life through medical aid in dying, according to her estate and legacy adviser, Tina Hejtmanek.

Ferrara’s work spanned decades, earning her recognition as a pioneer in modern sculpture. Her large-scale, often site-specific works combined simplicity with structural complexity, emphasizing the interplay of space, form, and perception. Her sculptures were celebrated for their ability to engage viewers physically, inviting them to move around and within her compositions.

Born in 1930, Ferrara began her artistic journey exploring painting before turning to sculpture in the 1960s. Her early experiments with wood, steel, and brick led to a distinctive style characterized by clean lines, layered geometric shapes, and a subtle yet powerful architectural sensibility. Critics and collectors alike admired her meticulous craftsmanship and visionary approach.

Over the course of her career, Ferrara’s works were displayed in museums, galleries, and public spaces worldwide. She contributed significantly to the dialogue of minimalist and modern art, often pushing boundaries and redefining how sculpture interacts with space. Her pieces, though rooted in geometry, retained a warmth and accessibility that resonated with audiences.

Friends, fellow artists, and collectors remember Ferrara not only for her artistic achievements but also for her generosity and mentorship. She encouraged emerging artists, sharing her insights and experience while fostering a sense of community within the sometimes competitive world of contemporary sculpture.

Her decision to pursue medical aid in dying reflects a thoughtful and considered approach to the final chapter of her life. Ferrara’s family and advisers have expressed support for her choice, emphasizing her dignity, autonomy, and the care taken to ensure her wishes were respected.

Art historians note that Ferrara’s legacy lies not just in her physical works but also in her influence on generations of sculptors and architects. Her insistence on precision, structural clarity, and spatial awareness continues to inspire and challenge artists who encounter her work.

Exhibitions of Ferrara’s pieces remain a testament to her innovative vision. Many of her sculptures, large and small, continue to be housed in major museums and private collections, serving as enduring examples of her contribution to modern art and the transformative power of minimalist design.

Communities of artists and admirers have begun sharing tributes and memories, celebrating her creativity, perseverance, and unique voice in the art world. Her impact is felt not only in galleries but also in the ongoing conversations she shaped about form, space, and artistic intention.

As the art world reflects on Jackie Ferrara’s life and work, her legacy as a sculptor, mentor, and innovator is firmly established. Her sculptures continue to challenge, inspire, and engage viewers, ensuring that even in her passing, her vision endures and her influence on contemporary sculpture remains profound.