Tributes paid to artist and composer Mira Calix, who has died aged 52

Tributes are being paid to award-winning artist and composer Mira Calix, after news of her death was confirmed yesterday.

Born Chantal Passamonte in South Africa, Mira was largely based in the UK. She considered music and sound to be "sculptural material", and over the course of her career, she was commissioned by, and exhibited and performed works at the likes of The Royal Shakespeare Company, Carriageworks, MONA, Performa, the Barbican, Art Basel, Lincoln Center, the Coventry Biennial, Shakespeares Globe, Melbourne Recital Centre, Sonar, Latitude Festival, Edinburgh Festival, Manchester International festival and the London Olympics.

She released her electronic debut album, one on one, on Warp Records in 2000, and went on to release a total of six albums on the label, including her latest, a̶b̶s̶e̶n̶t̶ origin, in November 2021.

Warp Records released a statement on social media yesterday evening, nothing that they are "devastated" to learn of Mira's death.

"Mira was not only a hugely talented artist and composer, she was also a beautiful, caring human who touched the lives of everyone who had the honour of working with her," they stated.

"We are so proud of her immense creative output; her artwork, videos and music were a true reflection of what an innovative, pioneering and wonderful soul she was.

"She pushed the boundaries between electronic music, classical music and art in a truly unique way. She will be terribly missed by everyone at the label, staff and artists alike."

pic.twitter.com/ifItTWGXoj

— Warp Records (@WarpRecords) March 28, 2022

English DJ and music journalist Mary Anne Hobbs described the news as "heartbreaking", stating that Mira was "such an ingenious, pioneering artist" who was "always questioning, always pushing."

heartbreaking to hear of the passing of Mira Calix..
such an ingenious, pioneering artist..
always questioning, always pushing..
hugely supportive of the programmes i've made on @BBC6Music especially 'Art is Everywhere'
RIP you beautiful* woman
🌹
m/a..x pic.twitter.com/xJrjOyQPB1

— maryanne hobbs (@maryannehobbs) March 28, 2022

Listen to Mira Calix's latest album, a̶b̶s̶e̶n̶t̶ origin below:

Read more tributes:

Extremely sad news to hear Mira Calix has passed away. Mira was a Board Director at The Ivors Academy for many years. A ground-breaking and pioneering creator who will be hugely missed. pic.twitter.com/CA1muR6IjH

— The Ivors Academy (@IvorsAcademy) March 29, 2022

The darkness continues. So sad to read about the passing of my old friend Chantal, otherwise known as Mira Calix on @WarpRecords - we met when she was producing music nights back in the early 1990s electronica scene and were friends ever since. Utterly heartbreaking 😌 pic.twitter.com/tjM1nu9Lhi

— Robin Rimbaud - Scanner (@robinrimbaud) March 28, 2022

I’m shocked to realise that Mira Calix has died. I met Chantal quite a few times when she was married to Sean Booth. I remember her as such a warm & friendly person. That was about 25 years ago, but still a shock to hear that. RIP Chantal.

— tony_surgeon (@Tony_Surgeon) March 29, 2022

Artist and composer Mira Calix on the perceptual phenomenon of Synaesthesia.

Rest in peace Mira 🖤

📻 Why do some people see colours when they hear music?
📱 Listen on @BBCSounds pic.twitter.com/VaiiKlMp1d

— BBC Radio 6 Music (@BBC6Music) March 29, 2022

Mira Calix set, Warp lighthouse party, Oct 2000. Every window of the warehouse shaking from the heaviest bass this wide-eyed kid had ever experienced. FFWD 22 years & she was still shaking fixed structures into motion & breaking boundaries on the daily. Unforgettable artist. RIP. pic.twitter.com/qYRbk03udD

— patten (@patttten) March 28, 2022