Writer was battling against cancer
OUTSPOKEN art critic Brian Sewell – who once said Banksy should have been “put down at birth” – has died aged 84.
The writer and media personality’s death was announced today after a battle with cancer.
He
had been the art critic at the London Evening Standard newspaper for
more than 30 years but began working at Christie’s auction house in the
1950s.
His strong views on a number of controversial topics, combined with his considered delivery, made him a hit with the public.
In 2008, he memorably slated an exhibition by graffiti king Banksy, describing the art world as having gone “absolutely crazy”.
He added: “Any fool who can put paint on canvas or turn a cardboard box into a sculpture is lauded.
“Banksy should have been put down at birth.”
In 2014, he revealed he had cancer and in June underwent surgery for a tumour to be removed from behind his ear.
And just five months ago he admitted he was afraid of dying – but not death – in a poignant interview.
He
said in April: “Looking at my suddenly emaciated body, scrawny and
cadaverous, the pain, degradation and the inability to die with any
dignity seem inevitable.
“For more than a year death has been imminent; it is too cruelly slow a process.”
