We are deeply saddened to announce the passing on June 9th of Sidney Felsen.
One of the most incredible things I have learned from Gemini is what can be possible through printmaking. Deeper than that was a way of life that Sidney taught me: how to love, how to enjoy life, how to work hard, and how to live that whole life with a form of grace.
-Julie Mehretu
Sidney Felsen, Gemini’s beloved co-founder, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 9. Throughout his final days, Sidney devoted himself to what he most cherished: collaborating with artists, supporting the Gemini staff, and spending time with friends and family.
Along with his first wife Rosamund Felsen, and master printer Kenneth Tyler, Sidney co-founded Gemini G.E.L. in 1966 with his best friend Stanley Grinstein and his wife Elyse. Within its first five years, Gemini produced groundbreaking editions by Robert Rauschenberg, Claes Oldenburg, Ellsworth Kelly, Jasper Johns, and Roy Lichtenstein, and today, that spirit of innovation endures. Gemini continues to collaborate with world-renowned artists such as Tacita Dean, Julie Mehretu, and Analia Saban who embrace broad-ranging visual languages and technical approaches. With Sidney’s nurturing over 58 years, Gemini empowered artists and printers to expand their creative reach and sustained many lasting, generative relationships. Richard Serra collaborated on over 300 editions between 1972 and 2024, to name but one example.
Sidney helped steward the establishment of a permanent archive of Gemini editions at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. in 1981. He also supported the presentation of Gemini prints and sculptures in countless international exhibitions and several monographic retrospectives, including Technics and Creativity: Selections from Gemini G.E.L. at MoMA (1971), Gemini G.E.L.: Art and Collaboration (National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1984), and The Serial Impulse at Gemini G.E.L. (National Gallery of Art, Washington and LACMA, 2016).
Prior to opening the doors of Gemini, Sidney balanced his days as an accountant with evenings and weekends studying drawing, painting, and ceramics. The Felsen and Grinstein dream of Gemini was born of a curiosity for printmaking, a passion for collaborating with artists, and a belief in nurturing life’s passions. This inquisitive mindset, coupled with a profound respect of artists and a strong spirit of friendship have continued to set the tone at Gemini, shaping it to be more than a vibrant workshop, but a vital community where art is embraced as a way of life.
It was through Gemini that Sidney’s own creative practice came into focus: photographing the artists. For over five decades, he chronicled with great empathy the life and work of Gemini, documenting its significant contributions to the history of art. Sidney’s photographs further record his commitment to Los Angeles and his belief in the power of art to connect us and foster a sense of belonging. His photographs serve as a testament to his thoughtful, steadfast presence in the lives of generations of artists, printers, curators, collectors, and art world luminaries, not only commemorating milestones, but equally sharing in the familial. Richard Serra observed that, “taking photographs is Sidney’s way of watching over us, not watching us.” Indeed, Sidney’s photographs testify to the countless lives he so lovingly watched over.
In 2019, the Getty Research Institute acquired Sidney’s photography archive – a collection of some 70,000 images generously donated by Ellsworth Kelly’s husband, Jack Shear, which in turn inspired the exhibition currently on view through July 7th, First Came a Friendship: Sidney B. Felsen and the Artists at Gemini G.E.L. The exhibition celebrates Gemini’s remarkable achievements as seen through Sidney’s eyes and the lens of his Leica camera. It equally honors Sidney’s exceptional legacy as a “condition maker,” to borrow Ann Hamilton’s words – a person who creates the conditions for art to be made. Sidney created these conditions with his discerning eye, generous spirit, prodigious mind, elegant manner, gentle humor, staunch loyalty, and kind, open heart. He nourished potential, bringing out the best in all those he so warmly welcomed into his life.
Sidney’s joy of life, dedication to friendships, and boundless love for his family will remain a gift and inspiration to us all. Gemini was founded as, and remains, a family business. Sidney’s daughter, Suzanne Felsen, his wife, Joni Weyl, and two of Stanley and Elyse’s daughters, Ayn and Ellen Grinstein, will carry that inspiration with them as they continue the management of Gemini.
The above is excerpted from a gallery announcement.
David Tunick
President, IFPDA
