GAGPROJECTS - Statement on the passing of Ian North

Image of Ian by Daniel Palmer, taken in 2015

Statement from GAGPROJECTS Director Paul Greenaway OAM

Vale Ian North AM, 1945-2024

Ian and his wife Mirna Heruc have been neighbours and friends for the past 30+ years. Ian regularly exhibited his beautiful photography with our gallery and came to all our exhibitions until recently. He was a gentle man with a wealth of talent and knowledge that he was prepared to share with students and other artists. Respected by so many, he was called on to write references for countless people. Preparing the nomination for his AM was an easy task, Ian had achieved so much in his artistic and academic life.

Ian North was reserved, thoughtful and serious, and always prepared to see the others point of view, he was equally at home with people in all walks of life and had a good sense of humour. Even in these last months he was happy on occasion to manage a smile as he sipped through a straw a small vodka to accompany herring prepared lovingly by Mirna.

My deep condolences go to Ian’s wife Mirna, his son Patrick and his family, his brother and his NZ family.

The Art Gallery of South Australia and the Gallery’s Director Rhana Davenport have both posted a summary of Ian achievements so well on their social media platforms.