Matt King, co-founder of Meow Wolf, died on Tuesday, July 12 at the age of 37. The company posted a tribute to the artist and acknowledged his contributions to the art world. According to the post, King passed away unexpectedly, although the cause of death has not been disclosed. The company stated:
“The Meow Wolf community is shocked and in complete shock at the unexpected death of Meow Wolf co-founder, artist and best friend Matt King; our thoughts and condolences 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 founded by Matt King as a public utility with the goal of promoting “systemic social change and well-being through the arts”. He co-founded it with Sean Di Ianni, Corvas Brinkerhoff, Emily Montoya, Caity Kennedy, Benji Geary and Vince Kadlubek and participated in 34 community projects. The artist was a visionary who liked to create eye-catching works of art. In an interview with Artnet in 2021, Matt King stated:
“What we want is for people to start doubting what reality is. Who am I, what am I and what can I really do to make a difference in the world? That is not our position, and we are not dystopian. We are not looking for doom and gloom.”
Meow Wolf’s original location in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was the Home of the Eternal Return. After its huge popularity, more displays were set up in Las Vegas and Denver. It is based on “artist collaboration” and focuses on art created by local artists. The organization is interested in “artists and stories from underrepresented and underprivileged areas.”
The official Meow Wolf account showed respect for the inventor. It praised King for his pioneering efforts to bring the city to where it is today. According to the article, King has influenced hundreds of artists throughout his life with his “unfettered zeal for creation and collaboration”. The message further stated:
“Matt is a wizard who now rides rainbows in the astral realm. His soul is no longer bound by the physical confines of this planet, and we are all responsible for finishing what he started here with us.”
King was also an active member of the community, helping to create the city’s first immersive art exhibition even before people were aware of the idea of such art.
The message ended with the following:
“Matt’s spirit will live on in our hearts. We will continue to commemorate him by continuing his brilliance in our profession and in our daily lives. Matt, we love you.’
According to Marsi Gray, Meow Wolf’s senior producer, King was a “hard worker” who was dedicated to his profession and cause. She continued and said:
“My beloved Meow Wolf community is in shock and sadness at the loss of this beautiful bright light this weekend. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to know, love and meet him all those years ago; my life will never be the same.”
Jose Tolosa, the company’s CEO, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
“We will inherit Matt’s brilliance in our work and in our daily lives, building on the wonderful legacy 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.
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