Matt King, a co-founder of Meow Wolf, died on Tuesday, July 12, at the age of 37. The firm posted a tribute to the artist, recognizing his contributions to the art world. According to the post, King died unexpectedly, although the cause of death has not been disclosed. The business stated:
“The Meow Wolf community is shocked and in complete shock as a result of the unexpected death of Meow Wolf co-founder, artist, and best friend Matt King; our thoughts and sympathies go out to his family, friends, and everyone who knows and loves him.”
Matt King co-founded Meow Wolf in 2008 with six other artists.
Meow Wolf was formed by Matt King as a public benefit company with the goal of promoting “systemic social change and well-being via the arts.” He co-founded it with Sean Di Ianni, Corvas Brinkerhoff, Emily Montoya, Caity Kennedy, Benji Geary, and Vince Kadlubek and has participated in 34 community projects. The artist was a visionary who enjoyed creating eye-catching works of art. In an interview with Artnet in 2021, Matt King stated:
“What we want is for people to leave doubting what reality is. Who am I, what am I, and what can I truly do to make a difference in the world? That is not our viewpoint, and we are not dystopian. We’re not looking for doom and gloom.”
Meow Wolf’s initial site in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was the House of Eternal Return. Following its enormous popularity, more displays were erected in Las Vegas and Denver. It was founded on “artist cooperation” and focuses on art created by local artists. The organization is interested in “artists and tales from underrepresented and underprivileged areas.”
The Meow Wolf community pays tribute to the artist On social media.
The official Meow Wolf account paid respect to the inventor. It lauded King for his pioneering efforts in bringing the town to where it is now. According to the article, King has influenced hundreds of artists throughout his life with his “unbound zeal for creating and collaborating.” The message further stated:
“Matt is a magician who is now riding rainbows on the astral realm. His soul is no longer bound by the physical boundaries of this planet, and we are all accountable for finishing what he started with us here.”
King has also been an active member of the community, assisting in the creation of the town’s first immersive art display, even before people were aware of the notion of such art.
The post closed with the following:
“Matt’s spirit will live on in our hearts. We shall continue to commemorate him by carrying on his genius in our profession and daily lives. Matt, we adore you.”
According to Marsi Gray, Meow Wolf’s senior producer, King was a “hard worker” who was committed to his profession and cause. She continued, saying:
“My beloved Meow Wolf community is in shock and grief at the loss of this brilliantly bright light this weekend. I am eternally thankful for the chance to know, love, and meet him all those years ago; my life will never be the same again.”
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Jose Tolosa, the company’s CEO, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
“We will take Matt’s genius on in our work and in our daily lives, building on the magnificent legacy that he leaves behind.”
He went on to say that King’s impact on the Meow Wolf community is evident in the tributes he receives from his fans and followers.
