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MATTHEW HULIAK WRBICAN
MATTHEW HULIAK WRBICAN
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MATTHEW WRBICAN Obituary
Age 60, of Pittsburgh, former chief archivist at the Andy Warhol Museum, renowned Warhol expert, and author of the forthcoming Yale University Press book A is for Archive: Warhol's World from A to Z, died on Saturday, June 1, 2019, after a heroic four-year battle with brain cancer. Matt was the beloved partner of Sharon (Yeschke) Tomasic; devoted son of Annabel (Jarjabka) Wrbican and the late Samuel Wrbican; and cherished brother of Sue Wrbican and Bill Wrbican, with wife, Carrie, and children, Sam and Nicholas. Matt was also embraced by Sharon's family: Walt and Wilma Yeschke, Matt Yeschke, with wife, Magda, and daughter, Maya, Karen Wingert, with husband, Bruce, and sons, Julian and Will; and Eric Yeschke, with partner, Lisa Christopher. He is mourned by many friends and colleagues, who treasured his intellect, creativity, and generosity of spirit. A native of Creighton, PA, Matt became passionate about art and art history as a child, attending Tam O'Shanter drawing classes at the Carnegie Museum of Art. He earned a B.F.A. (Painting) and an M.F.A. (Intermedia/Electronic Art) from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), where he studied with Professor Bruce Breland. Matt also exhibited his artwork at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and Galleries. After working for the Carnegie International Exhibition of Contemporary Art and the Digital Art Exchange (DAX) Collection at the CMU Archives, he was hired in 1991 to inventory Warhol's archival materials by the artist's foundation in New York City. Many of those materials became part of the Archive collection at the Warhol when it opened in Pittsburgh in 1994. Over more than two decades at the Warhol, Matt managed the Archive and Warhol's Time Capsules, traveling worldwide for exhibitions and lectures. He also curated or co-curated many exhibitions - including Warhol by the Book, Twisted Pair: Marcel Duchamp/Andy Warhol, and Warhol Live: Music and Dance in Warhol's Work - and published essays on Warhol's art and life. Matt supported many environmental and social-justice organizations and enjoyed gardening, baseball, music, and the companionship of his cats. In lieu of funeral services, a memorial service celebrating his life will be held later this year. Arrangements are by THOMAS P. KUNSAK FUNERAL HOME, INC., in Pittsburgh.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Craig Highberger
August 10, 2019
I am so shocked and sad to discover Matt passed away! Just today I got his wonderful new just published book "A is for ARCHIVE: Warhol's World from A to Z" and wrote him a letter telling him how much I loved it, and wanted to talk with him about a mutual friend. I am just so devastated to hear he passed away two months ago. I knew him through my Warhol related documentary work and exhibitions and Matt was such a fascinating talented scholar and Warhol expert. My condolences to all his relatives and friends.
Hugo Kobayashi
June 30, 2019
I excerpted some audio of Matt talking about Andy Warhol. It was great to hear him laughing again. The audio is about 4-5 minutes long.
https://soundcloud.com/user-677103959/matt-wrbican-tells-a-story-about-andy-warhol
Hugo Kobayashi
June 19, 2019
I was very saddened to hear that Matt passed away. I had the impression that he was doing well after his surgery since he sent me a cheerful letter last year. Here is a short video that I just made in memory of Matt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XonMMFbYNY4&feature=youtu.be
William Real
June 11, 2019
So saddened by the news of Matt's passing. I had the pleasure of working as Matt's colleague at Carnegie Museum of Art and on the development and early years of the Warhol Museum. He was exceptionally good natured and collegial in addition to being smart and creative. Tackling the Warhol Archive was a daunting challenge and an immense achievement. His efforts brought to light previously unseen details of Warhol's life, art, and business that will be studied and mined for decades. I think it was Matt's unfailing kindness, good humor, grace, and laughter in even the most stressful circumstances that I admire most of all.
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Jane Patterson. (Scott)
June 7, 2019
Sue Annabell and Bill . I was really shocked when i heard of Matt's death. Sounds like he had a rough go of it with the cancer. Your mom long ago when i saw her had told me of matt's work with the wahlrhol group. Inpressive obituary. Give your mom my love . Does she have an address that i could get in touch with her by way of a card. Text or call me at 412-302-6252. So sorry about Matt .
Greg Kwiatek
June 6, 2019
Matt talked about Andy Warhol's trip around the world. After that trip Andy understood what the world could offer him. Matt also traveled around the world. He understood that what the world needed was equality and humanity for all.
Norma Bronder
June 6, 2019
The world will be a less interesting place without you, Matt. Thank you for all the laughs and arguments and commiseration over our beloved Pirates. I'm a better person for knowing you. My sympathy to Sharon and all of your loved ones.
June 6, 2019
DEAR SHARON & FAMILY
WILL MISS OUR GARDEN SIDE CHATS & MATT'S WARMTH & KINDNESS. SHARON-I AM HAPPY YOU & MATT FOUND EACH OTHER IN THIS LIFETIME-A GIFT INDEED! MATT SPOKE GENEROUSLY OF HIS LOVE & DEVOTION FOR YOU & FAMILY.
LOVE, GRATITUDE & PROFOUND SADNESS
KATHLEEN
Reva Aber-Butler
June 5, 2019
I'm so sorry to hear of this. Matt's loved ones are in my thoughts. Such a lovely and kind person.
June 5, 2019
I will miss the presence of my friend; his brilliance, his warm poetic disposition, but mostly i will miss the priviledge of simply knowing him. He wa a great artist and scholar; he was even a greater man.
Birthday celebrations with Matt & Sharon at Bedford Springs
Danièle Wilmouth
June 5, 2019
STACEY HARRIS
June 5, 2019
MATT WAS A GREAT MAN.... LISTENING TO ALL HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS MAKES ME FEEL IMPORTANT JUST FOR KNOWING HIM.... LOVINGLY, STACEY HARRIS
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