The Brooklyn Rail

Decades ago I met Asher Remy-Toledo, one of the kindest, humblest, and most open people, who quickly became an integral part of my life. He lived just a few blocks away from me, which meant we often met to chat while seated on a bench in Madison Square Park, or over a glass of wine in his favorite café. We always had a lot to discuss, given his insatiable curiosity.

Over the years I followed Asher’s many pursuits—first his art gallery, then the lively new media art conversation-performance series that he initiated in a rundown music venue across the street from his loft and gradually segued into his home. Asher gathered together artists, writers, curators, funders and thinkers who freely exchanged new ideas, given how everyone felt safe to expound in the gracious and convivial environment of his home.

At the drop of a hat Asher was always ready to walk, ride the subway, or fly somewhere to catch the unfolding of a fascinating new trend. Asher was a people person, someone who listened closely and then was ready to move into gear and take action with what he learned.

Asher worked hard, given his tireless energy. He impressed me with his ability to develop new ideas and experimental projects. I was fortunate to join him in Manizales, Bogotá, and Medellín in his home country Colombia, where he organized a number of media art festivals and exhibitions, often with the support of the great educator and thinker Felipe César Londoño López. Asher always inspired me by how he thought on his feet, and was able to synthesize and pull complex ideas together.

Asher’s graciousness, drive, and commitment to the new attracted people to him. We all grieve the loss of Asher and now hold him close in our hearts.