The magazine was founded in 1962 in San Francisco to act as an independent voice, and a counterpoint to the New York-based magazines that dominated the discussion about art. From the outset it championed new artists and new galleries.
In its current form the magazine has consistently taken on difficult subjects, such as HIV, racism, homophobia, the opioid crisis and police brutality. In addition to art and politics, there are articles and reviews of books, film and architecture.
The interviews are a must read, not just because they are thought provoking, well written and in-depth, but, because they give artists a platform to say things that most other magazines won't.
HIV-positive artist Kia LaBeija, Velasco wrote a poignant statement, “The art world is misogynist. Art history is misogynist. Also racist, classist, transphobic, ableist, homophobic. I will not accept this.
Artist Nan Goldin published a harrowing text and photographic account of her addiction to the prescription pain-relief drug, OxyContin, in a 2018 piece that prompted the founding of P.A.I.N., a campaign to expose the role that Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family have in the opioid epidemic in America.
Listings
The website includes an incredibly comprehensive database of events and galleries in major and minor cities across the world. There are also more selective reviews and recommendation if you are looking for something more specific.
News
The news section covers interesting business and political developments in the art world, such as legal disputes, the opening and closure of major galleries and museums, the awarding grants and anything else that might make waves for art professionals.
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