Belgian artist Paul Van Hoeydonck, renowned for creating the first and long-time sole artwork on the moon, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday at the age of 99, according to a press release from his family.
Philip Heylen, a friend of the artist and honorary alderman of Antwerp, mentioned in the release, “A few weeks ago, we celebrated his 99 and half birthday. It was evident then that his light was slowly fading. It’s surreal that Paul is no longer with us. You almost thought he would be here forever, and perhaps he will be, thanks to his vast artistic legacy. Through his works, he continues to communicate with us.”
Born on 8 October 1925 in Antwerp, Van Hoeydonck was a multifaceted artist, working as a sculptor, painter, illustrator, collage artist, and graphic artist. As a modern sculptor, he utilised contemporary materials such as bronze, chrome steel, plexiglass, polyester, and mixed media.
His most famous piece is ‘Fallen Astronaut’, which Apollo 15 astronauts left on the moon in 1971 to honour their deceased colleagues. It remained the only artwork on the moon until February last year, when 125 mini-sculptures by American artist Jeff Koons landed on its surface.
