'The guy that put dots on people's faces': American conceptual artist John Baldessari passes away

Baldessari, one of American's most famous conceptual artist, has died at the age of 88

American conceptional artist John Baldessari stands in his installation 'brick building, huge windows with excellent view, partly furnished, well-known architect' in Krefeld, Germany. Baldessari died Show more

American conceptual artist John Baldessari has died at the age of 88.

His death was confirmed by the Marian Goodman Gallery in a tweet earlier today.

"It is with immense sadness that I write to let you know of the death of the intelligent, loving and incomparable John Baldessari," the tweet, signed by the gallery owner Marian Goodman, reads.

Baldessari's thought-provoking artwork has been exhibited in shows across the US and Europe, including more than 300 solo exhibitions.

Born in National City, California in 1931, Baldessari received his Bachelor of Arts in 1953 from San Diego State College and his Master of Arts in painting in 1957, according to his website.

Earlier in his career, he painted landscapes and abstract compositions, but in 1970 he burnt everything he ever made. After that, his work witnessed a shift where more of his art featured other mediums such as photographs and text. One of his first prints, I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art is example of how his work changed.

When asked what he thinks he would be most remembered for, he said: "the guy that put dots on people's faces."

He received numerous awards throughout his career, most notably the 2014 National Medal of Arts, which was presented to him by former US President Barack Obama and the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement Award at the Venice Biennale in 2009.

Since the news of his death broke out, tributes have started to pour in on social media.