Artforum: A History of Art Criticism, Activism, and Editorial Evolution
Founded in 1962, Artforum has evolved from a regional West Coast publication into one of the most influential voices in global art criticism. Throughout its history, the magazine has not only documented the shift from late modernism to conceptual art but has also served as a battleground for political discourse, challenging the ethics of philanthropy and the systemic biases of the art world.
The Early Years: From San Francisco to New York
Artforum was established in San Francisco by John P. Irwin Jr., a salesman for the Pisani Printing Company. The publication was born out of a desire among West Coast curators and artists, including Philip Leider, to create a platform that focused on regional art rather than the New York-centric coverage found in publications like Art in America and Art News.
The magazine's first issue featured a kinetic sculpture by Swiss painter Jean Tinguely on the cover, signaling an identity that was intentionally fluid and open to contradictory opinions. Under subsequent owner Charles Cowles, the magazine moved to Los Angeles in 1965 and finally to New York City in 1967.
This relocation marked a pivotal shift in editorial focus. Artforum moved away from California-style art toward late modernism—the dominant artistic movement in New York at the time. During this era, the magazine hosted the "Problems of Criticism" series (1967–1971), where established figures like Clement Greenberg debated formalist interpretation against the critiques of younger writers such as Rosalind Krauss and Jack Burnham.
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Shifting Trends and Academic Rigor
The 1970s saw a transition under editor-in-chief John Coplans, who steered the magazine toward fashionable trends including minimal art, conceptual art, body art, land art, and performance art. This period provided a critical platform for influential artists such as Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt, and Robert Smithson.
In 2003, Tim Griffin took the helm, introducing a more academic and theoretical tone. He invited European theorists—including Slavoj Zizek and Giorgio Agamben—to critique the intersection of art and the market. This era also highlighted the rise of digital neo-appropriation artists like Wade Guyton and Seth Price.
Following Griffin, Michelle Kuo served as editor-in-chief starting in 2010, maintaining a sober, hyper-academic discourse. However, her tenure ended in late 2017 following the resignation of publisher Knight Landesman amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Kuo resigned in protest of the publisher's handling of these allegations, calling for a more equitable and safe art world for women.
The Era of Intersectional Activism
In January 2018, David Velasco became editor-in-chief, ushering in a new era defined by intersectional feminism and a commitment to dismantling racism, classism, and homophobia within art history. This shift was praised by critics like Jerry Saltz for modernizing the publication's moral compass.
Under Velasco, Artforum became a vehicle for high-profile activism. In 2018, artist Nan Goldin used the magazine to publish a photographic account of her addiction to OxyContin, which helped spark the P.A.I.N. campaign against Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. Later, in 2019, the essay "The Tear Gas Biennial" exposed the "toxic philanthropy" of Warren Kanders, whose company manufactured riot gear. The resulting pressure from artists led to Kanders' resignation from the Whitney Museum board.
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Recent Controversies and Ownership Changes
In December 2022, Artforum was acquired by Penske Media. Shortly after, in October 2023, the magazine published an open letter signed by approximately 8,000 cultural workers supporting Palestinian liberation and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The publication of this letter, which did not initially denounce the Hamas attacks of October 7, led to significant backlash from art dealers and some artists.
The fallout resulted in the firing of editor-in-chief David Velasco on October 26, 2023. This decision triggered a boycott by prominent figures, including Brian Eno and Judith Butler, and led several contributors to withdraw their work from the December "Year in Review" issue. In March 2024, Tina Rivers Ryan was appointed as the new editor-in-chief.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1962 in San Francisco by John P. Irwin Jr.
- Headquarters: Moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles (1965), then to New York City (1967).
- Major Shifts: Transitioned from regional West Coast art to late modernism, and later to conceptual and performance art.
- Activism: Played a key role in the campaign against the Sackler family and the removal of Warren Kanders from the Whitney Museum.
- Current Ownership: Acquired by Penske Media in December 2022.
| Era/Editor | Primary Focus | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| John P. Irwin Jr. (1962) | West Coast Arts Scene | Regional focus, divergent opinions |
| Charles Cowles (1967+) | Late Modernism | Move to NYC, formalist debates |
| John Coplans (1971+) | Conceptual & Minimal Art | Focus on land, body, and performance art |
| Tim Griffin (2003) | Cultural Theory | Academic tone, European theorists |
| David Velasco (2018) | Intersectional Activism | Social justice, feminist ethics, political essays |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Artforum originally founded?
It was founded to provide a dedicated platform for the West Coast arts scene, as artists and curators were dissatisfied with the New York-centric focus of other major art publications at the time.
What was the "Problems of Criticism" series?
It was a ten-part column series from 1967 to 1971 that debated the state of art writing, featuring a clash between formalist interpretation and newer critical perspectives.
How did Artforum influence the Sackler family controversy?
The magazine published a harrowing account by artist Nan Goldin regarding OxyContin addiction, which helped launch the P.A.I.N. campaign to expose Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers' role in the opioid epidemic.
What led to the resignation of editor Michelle Kuo?
Michelle Kuo resigned in 2017 in response to how the magazine's publishers handled allegations of sexual misconduct against publisher Knight Landesman.
Why was David Velasco fired in 2023?
Velasco was fired following the publication of an open letter supporting Palestinian liberation, which the publisher stated had bypassed the typical editorial process and lacked sufficient context regarding the October 7 attacks.