Raymond Saunders, Painter Who Rejected Racial Pigeonholes, Dies at 90

Raymond Saunders, a renowned painter, passed away at the age of 90. Saunders, who was known for his collage-based art, had just recently experienced his first major retrospective exhibition at a museum in his hometown of Pittsburgh, which had closed just days before his death. Throughout his career, Saunders was widely admired, though he had often been underrecognized for his artistic contributions. His work was characterized by a rejection of racial pigeonholes, as he sought to create art that transcended traditional boundaries and categorizations. Saunders' passing came shortly after the closure of his landmark retrospective, which had provided a long-overdue recognition of his significant artistic achievements and impact. This exhibition served as a testament to the enduring legacy and influence of this esteemed painter, whose work had consistently challenged and pushed the boundaries of the art world.