Is Tony Conrad Living or Dead?

About Tony Conrad

Tony Conrad was a true visionary, a pioneer of avant-garde cinema, and a master of experimental music. Born in 1940 in New Hampshire, Conrad studied mathematics and physics at Harvard before moving to New York City in the early 1960s to pursue his artistic career.

Conrad quickly became a key figure in the city's vibrant downtown scene, collaborating with artists like John Cale, La Monte Young, and Angus MacLise. Together, they formed the Theatre of Eternal Music, a group that explored the boundaries of sound and performance.

Conrad's contributions to the group were significant, as he was a skilled violinist and composer. He used his instrument to create long, droning tones that were both hypnotic and disorienting. His music was a perfect complement to the group's otherworldly performances, which often involved the use of strobe lights and other visual effects.

In addition to his work with the Theatre of Eternal Music, Conrad also made a name for himself as a filmmaker. His films were often abstract and experimental, using techniques like slow motion and multiple exposures to create a dreamlike atmosphere. His most famous film, "The Flicker," is a hypnotic study of light and darkness that has become a classic of avant-garde cinema.

Conrad continued to work as a musician and filmmaker throughout his life, collaborating with a wide range of artists and experimenting with new forms and techniques. He passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking work that continues to inspire and challenge artists today.

References:

- "Tony Conrad, Experimental Filmmaker and Musician, Dies at 76." The New York Times, 10 Apr. 2016, www.nytimes.com/2016/04/11/arts/music/tony-conrad-experimental-filmmaker-and-musician-dies-at-76.html.

- "Tony Conrad: A Retrospective." The Museum of Modern Art, www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/3665.

About Death

Conrad died in Cheektowaga, New York on April 9, 2016 at age 76 after fighting prostate cancer.