Jeremy Ayers
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Artist
- writer
- photographer
- musician
Jeremy Ayers | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1948 |
| Died | October 24, 2016 (aged 67–68) |
| Occupations |
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Jeremy Ayers (1948 – October 24, 2016) was an American artist, writer, photographer, and musician.[1]
A member of the Athens, Georgia, creative community, Ayers was a Warhol superstar under the name Sylva Thinn early in his career and wrote a column for Andy Warhol's Interview magazine. He published three books of photography, and co-wrote songs for the B-52's and R.E.M.[2][3][4] In 2021, a newly discovered species of ant (Strumigenys ayersthey) was named in his honor.[5]
Born Charles Jerry Ayers, he grew up in Athens, Georgia. His father Robert H. Ayers was a civil rights advocate and taught theology at the University of Georgia.[6][5][2]
By the early 1970s, Ayers became involved with Andy Warhol's Factory as the androgynous "Sylva Thinn" (also written as "Silva Thin") and he wrote a column for Interview magazine.[7][4] He also appeared in David Bailey's 1973 documentary on Warhol.[8]
In the late 1970s, Ayers returned to Athens. In the early 1980s, along with four friends, he founded the avant-garde band Limbo District, and was percussionist for the group.[9] Ayers was also credited as co-writer of the song "52 Girls" by the B-52's, released as the B-side of their 1978 debut single and on their 1979 debut album.[3] He also worked with fellow Athens musicians R.E.M., co-writing the song "Old Man Kensey" from the 1985 album Fables of the Reconstruction.[4]
Ayers published three books of photography (Aeronautica, 2011; Today in New York, 2011; and Occupy!, 2012), which featured scenes from Athens, New York City street life, and Occupy Wall Street.[2][4]
Ayers died of a seizure at the age of 68 on October 24, 2016.[5]
