Artist Tony Berlant Dies in Santa Monica at 85
The celebrated artist, known for his unique metal collages, passes away following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Fine Art
Tony Berlant, a prominent figure in the 1960s Los Angeles art scene, has died at age 85. His passing in Santa Monica was attributed to Alzheimer’s disease.
Why it matters
Berlant leaves behind a significant legacy as a pioneer of the Ferus Gallery scene and a dedicated researcher of ancient artistry. His influence extends from contemporary collage techniques to the curation of major archaeological exhibitions.
Berlant was an active participant in the 1960s Ferus Gallery scene and featured in the 1963 Pop Art USA exhibition. His work remains part of the permanent collections at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and LACMA.
The players
Tony Berlant
An acclaimed artist recognized for his metal collages and contributions to Southwestern ceramic studies.
Ferus Gallery
A pioneering Los Angeles gallery that played a central role in the development of the 1960s West Coast contemporary art movement.
Nasher Sculpture Center
A Dallas-based institution dedicated to modern and contemporary sculpture that co-hosted Berlant’s curatorial work.
LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which holds Berlant’s work in its permanent collection and hosted his curation of Mimbres ceramics.
Mimbres Foundation
An organization dedicated to the research and preservation of ancient ceramics from the American Southwest.
The details
Known for his distinctive style, Berlant created intricate collages by assembling shards of printed tin and thousands of nails. These works frequently incorporated vintage advertising, street signage, and personal photographs into their metallic surfaces.
Timeline
Berlant was an active member of the Ferus Gallery scene during the 1960s.
He was featured in the Pop Art USA exhibition in 1963.
The artist held a notable show at the Kohn Gallery in the fall of 2018.
Tony Berlant died on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
Berlant’s career trajectory serves as a definitive case study of the Ferus Gallery art scene, which established the foundation for modern West Coast contemporary art. His passing marks the conclusion of a significant chapter for artists who gained prominence in that influential era.
Those wishing to view Berlant’s work can find his pieces represented in the permanent collections of major institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Many of his curated projects on Mimbres ceramics remain archived through academic and museum partners.
The takeaway
Berlant’s unique synthesis of industrial materials and traditional historical research redefined the possibilities of collage art. Aspiring artists can look to his focus on incorporating everyday objects into his work as a method for transforming found materials into meaningful cultural commentary.
Further reading
Learn more about local exhibitions and artistic heritage in the Fine Art section.
