We are sad to announce the passing of Stephen Koch (1941-2026)
In 1987 after Peter Hujar died from AIDS, Stephen inherited his estate. Peter’s wish was for Stephen to carry on his legacy, bringing his photographs to a wider audience. Recalling the moment when Peter Hujar told him “I have decided that you should have the pictures,” Stephen wrote in Harper’s magazine, “I must have said something. I can’t remember or even imagine what. I do remember exactly what I felt. I felt my destiny changing course.”
Then Peter said, “You’re a dear one, Stephen. You really are.”
We’re so grateful for the work he’s done all these years, with his unwavering persistence. His long career as the executor of Peter Hujar’s estate coincided with his longer careers as an author (of fiction and nonfiction), a historian and a teacher.
Stephen along with his personality, presence and guidance will be deeply missed.