Downtown Art Scene Lost a Legend: Agosto Machado's Tributes

Agosto Machado, a notable artist and performer from New York's downtown avant-garde scene of the 1960s and '70s, passed away on March 21st, 2026. Believed to be in his late 80s, Machado was recognized for his unique practice of creating shrines from the personal artifacts of friends lost to AIDS and other causes.

Initially a "street queen" on Christopher Street, Machado found himself on stage through an invitation from Jackie Curtis. He became a participant in "Theater of the Ridiculous," performing at venues like La MaMa and collaborating with figures such as Ethyl Eichelberger, Jack Smith, and Peter Hujar.

Throughout his life, Machado meticulously collected mementos, including friends' belongings, artwork, and photographs. These cherished items formed the basis of his "ancestor worship" shrines, vibrant altars filled with ephemera, prayer cards, and personal items, often housed in his East Village apartment.

During the height of the AIDS crisis, Machado also provided dedicated caregiving for his friends, a role that led some to distance themselves, fearing contagion. He continued to collect the ashes of 14 friends over three decades, including Marsha P. Johnson and Jack Smith.

In recent years, Machado gained wider recognition, with gallerists Sam Gordon and Jacob Robichaux exhibiting his shrines. His work has since been acquired by MoMA and the Whitney Museum, with several shrines currently on display at the 2026 Whitney Biennial.