Top 10 Celebrated Art Critics

Art critics play a vital role in the art world, shaping public perception and influencing artists and galleries alike. Among the most celebrated are figures like Robert Hughes, John Ruskin, and Jerry Saltz, each known for their unique perspectives and contributions to art criticism. Their work spans various mediums and styles, offering insights that resonate with both art enthusiasts and professionals.

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Robert Hughes, an Australian critic, is best known for his articulate and often provocative critiques found in publications like Time magazine and his documentary series, "The Shock of the New." John Ruskin, a 19th-century critic and social thinker, famously championed the Pre-Raphaelites and emphasized the connection between art and morality. Jerry Saltz, a contemporary critic for New York Magazine, is noted for his engaging writing style and insightful commentary on the modern art scene, often blending personal narrative with critical analysis. Other notable critics include Rosalind Krauss, known for her theoretical approach; Arthur Danto, who explored the philosophy of art; and Hilton Kramer, who brought a conservative perspective to modern art discussions, each contributing to the rich tapestry of art criticism that continues to evolve today.

  • Robert Hughes
    Robert Hughes

    Robert Hughes - Art critic, historian, and passionate cultural commentator.

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  • Rosalind Krauss
    Rosalind Krauss

    Rosalind Krauss - Exploring art's boundaries through theory and critique.

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  • Jerry Saltz
    Jerry Saltz

    Jerry Saltz - Art critic unraveling creativity, one review at a time.

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  • Hilton Kramer
    Hilton Kramer

    Hilton Kramer - Art Critic Extraordinaire: Championing Passion, Provoking Thought.

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  • John Ruskin
    John Ruskin

    John Ruskin - Celebrating beauty, art, and social truth.

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  • Clement Greenberg
    Clement Greenberg

    Clement Greenberg - Champion of Modernism, Defender of Abstract Art.

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  • Arthur Danto
    Arthur Danto

    Arthur Danto - Art philosopher redefining meaning and perception.

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  • Lucy Lippard
    Lucy Lippard

    Lucy Lippard - Art activist redefining boundaries and inspiring change.

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  • Jerry Saltz
    Jerry Saltz

    Jerry Saltz - Art critic unraveling creativity, one review at a time.

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  • Robert Storr
    Robert Storr

    Robert Storr - Visionary artist shaping contemporary art's future.

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Top 10 Celebrated Art Critics

1.

Robert Hughes

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Robert Hughes (1938–2012) was an influential Australian art critic, historian, and author, renowned for his incisive analysis of modern art and culture. His most notable work, "The Shock of the New," explored the evolution of modern art and its impact on society, earning international acclaim. Hughes was also a prominent television presenter, known for his engaging documentaries that brought art to a wider audience. Throughout his career, he championed the importance of understanding art in its cultural context, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of art criticism.

Pros

  • pros Insightful art criticism
  • pros engaging writing style
  • pros extensive art historical knowledge
  • pros and cultural commentary.

Cons

  • consControversial opinions
  • cons aggressive style
  • cons elitism
  • cons oversimplification
  • cons and potential bias in art criticism.
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2.

Rosalind Krauss

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Rosalind Krauss is an influential American art critic, theorist, and historian, known for her contributions to contemporary art discourse. Born on November 5, 1941, she has explored various topics, including modernism, postmodernism, and the relationship between art and photography. Krauss co-founded the influential journal "October" in 1976, which played a significant role in shaping art criticism. Her notable works include "The Originality of the Avant-Garde and Other Modernist Myths" and "Passages in Modern Sculpture." Through her scholarship, Krauss has profoundly impacted the understanding of 20th-century art and theory.

Pros

  • pros Innovative art criticism
  • pros interdisciplinary approach
  • pros influential theories
  • pros challenges traditional boundaries
  • pros promotes diverse perspectives.

Cons

  • consKrauss's theories can be overly complex
  • cons alienating some audiences and limiting broader accessibility.
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3.

Jerry Saltz

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Jerry Saltz is an influential American art critic and senior art critic for New York Magazine. Known for his engaging writing style and keen insights, he has played a pivotal role in contemporary art discourse. Saltz gained prominence for his ability to connect art with broader cultural and social issues, often using social media to reach a wider audience. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 2018, further solidifying his reputation. Saltz is also recognized for his advocacy of artists and his passionate discussions around the evolving nature of the art world.

Pros

  • pros Art critic
  • pros insightful
  • pros promotes dialogue
  • pros champions artists
  • pros accessible writing
  • pros passionate
  • pros influential voice.

Cons

  • consSubjective opinions
  • cons controversial critiques
  • cons elitist tone
  • cons polarizing style
  • cons oversimplification of complex art.
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4.

Hilton Kramer

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Hilton Kramer (1928-2015) was an influential American art critic and writer known for his incisive commentary on modern and contemporary art. He served as the art critic for The New York Times from 1972 to 1985, where he became a prominent voice in the art world, advocating for traditional aesthetics and high artistic standards. Kramer co-founded the New Criterion, a monthly cultural magazine, in 1982, where he continued to critique art, literature, and culture. His work often sparked debate, reflecting his commitment to the importance of artistic integrity and craftsmanship.

Pros

  • pros Influential critic
  • pros championed modern art
  • pros clear writing style
  • pros promoted artistic integrity
  • pros fostered cultural discourse.

Cons

  • consLimited perspectives
  • cons controversial opinions
  • cons elitist tastes
  • cons and dismissal of popular art movements.
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5.

John Ruskin

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John Ruskin (1819-1900) was a prominent English art critic, social thinker, and writer. Renowned for his influential works on art and architecture, particularly "Modern Painters," he championed the values of nature and craftsmanship. Ruskin's ideas extended beyond aesthetics; he critiqued industrial society and advocated for social reform, emphasizing the importance of morality in art and labor. As a passionate defender of the Gothic Revival, his vision shaped the Victorian art movement. Ruskin's legacy endures through his profound impact on art criticism and social philosophy, inspiring generations of artists and thinkers.

Pros

  • pros Advocated for art
  • pros nature
  • pros social reform
  • pros education
  • pros and the importance of beauty in life.

Cons

  • consNarrow views on art
  • cons elitism
  • cons resistance to industrial progress
  • cons overly romanticized nature.
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6.

Clement Greenberg

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Clement Greenberg (1909-1994) was an influential American art critic known for his role in promoting Abstract Expressionism and the modernist movement. He championed artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning, emphasizing the importance of medium and formalism in art. Greenberg's essays, particularly "Avant-Garde and Kitsch," highlighted the distinction between high art and popular culture. His advocacy for purity in art led to debates about the nature of artistic expression. Greenberg's critical insights significantly shaped the discourse around contemporary art throughout the mid-20th century.

Pros

  • pros Promoted modernism
  • pros emphasized formalism
  • pros championed abstract art
  • pros influenced critical discourse
  • pros and supported avant-garde.

Cons

  • consOverly elitist
  • cons dismissive of popular art
  • cons and promotes a narrow view of modernism.
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7.

Arthur Danto

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Arthur Danto was an influential American philosopher and art critic, best known for his contributions to the philosophy of art. Born in 1924, he gained prominence for his theory that art's meaning is shaped by cultural contexts and interpretations rather than inherent properties. Danto's seminal work, "The Artworld," introduced the idea that the definition of art is contingent upon the artworld's acceptance. He explored the relationship between art, reality, and meaning, significantly impacting contemporary art criticism and philosophy. Danto passed away in 2013, leaving a lasting legacy in both fields.

Pros

  • pros Innovative theories on art
  • pros blending philosophy and aesthetics
  • pros influential in contemporary art criticism.

Cons

  • consOversimplifies art definition
  • cons neglects historical context
  • cons and lacks concrete criteria for evaluation.
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8.

Lucy Lippard

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Lucy Lippard is an influential American art critic, curator, and activist known for her work in contemporary art and feminist theory. Born in 1937, she gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, advocating for conceptual art and the integration of social issues into artistic practices. Lippard has authored numerous books, including "Six Years: The Dematerialization of the Art Object," which explores the evolution of art in the era of minimalism and conceptualism. Her commitment to community-based art and her critique of the art market continue to resonate in contemporary discussions of art and activism.

Pros

  • pros Pioneering feminist art critic
  • pros advocate for marginalized artists
  • pros influential in conceptual art movements.

Cons

  • consLimited focus on mainstream art; sometimes overlooks broader cultural contexts; can be overly deterministic.
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9.

Jerry Saltz

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Jerry Saltz is an influential American art critic and senior art critic for New York Magazine. Known for his engaging writing style and keen insights, he has played a pivotal role in contemporary art discourse. Saltz gained prominence for his ability to connect art with broader cultural and social issues, often using social media to reach a wider audience. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 2018, further solidifying his reputation. Saltz is also recognized for his advocacy of artists and his passionate discussions around the evolving nature of the art world.

Pros

  • pros Art critic
  • pros insightful
  • pros promotes dialogue
  • pros champions artists
  • pros accessible writing
  • pros passionate
  • pros influential voice.

Cons

  • consSubjective opinions
  • cons controversial critiques
  • cons elitist tone
  • cons polarizing style
  • cons oversimplification of complex art.
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10.

Robert Storr

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Robert Storr is an influential American painter, curator, and educator known for his significant contributions to contemporary art. Born in 1949, he served as the Dean of the Yale School of Art and has held prominent roles at major institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Storr is also recognized for his curatorial work, including the 2007 Venice Biennale, where he showcased the works of emerging and established artists. His writings on art and artists reflect his deep engagement with the evolving landscape of visual culture.

Pros

  • pros Innovative curator
  • pros insightful critic
  • pros strong advocate for contemporary art
  • pros promotes diverse artistic voices.

Cons

  • consLimited visibility in mainstream art criticism; perceived elitism; can be polarizing in opinions.
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