Artforum magazine

Definition

Artforum magazine is a prominent international contemporary art publication that was founded in 1962, focusing on critical analysis and discussion of visual arts. It has played a significant role in shaping art discourse, particularly during periods of artistic movements like the return to figuration, by providing a platform for artists, critics, and curators to engage with and debate current trends and practices in the art world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Artforum magazine has been influential in promoting postmodern ideas and has featured critical essays by key figures in contemporary art criticism.
2. The magazine's focus on both established and emerging artists allows it to bridge various generational gaps within the art community.
3. Artforum has published special issues dedicated to specific themes or exhibitions, thereby helping to shape the discourse around significant events in the art world.
4. The magazine often includes sections like 'Critics' Picks,' which highlights noteworthy exhibitions across various cities, fostering a greater awareness of contemporary practices.
5. Artforum's commitment to visual arts extends beyond traditional formats; it frequently incorporates photography and design into its layout, enhancing the overall reader experience.

Review Questions

• How has Artforum magazine contributed to the conversation surrounding the return to figuration in contemporary art?
  • Artforum magazine has played a crucial role in the discourse around the return to figuration by publishing critical essays that analyze this shift in artistic practice. By providing a platform for both critics and artists to express their thoughts on representational art, Artforum fosters dialogue on the importance of figurative work within the broader context of contemporary art movements. The magazine's coverage helps highlight key exhibitions and artists who are reviving figuration, ensuring that this important trend receives attention and scrutiny.
• Evaluate the impact of Artforum's editorial choices on the visibility of artists working in figurative styles during pivotal moments in contemporary art.
  • The editorial choices made by Artforum significantly impact the visibility of figurative artists by selecting works and exhibitions that reflect the resurgence of representation in contemporary practice. By featuring critical discussions on figurative art alongside interviews with influential artists, Artforum elevates these works within the broader conversation of modern art. This careful curation not only spotlights individual artists but also shapes public perception and academic interest in figuration as a valid and vital mode of expression.
• Assess how Artforum magazine's approach to criticism reflects broader changes in artistic values from abstraction to figuration during the late 20th century.
  • Artforum magazine's approach to criticism illustrates a significant shift in artistic values from abstraction towards figuration during the late 20th century. This transition reflects changing cultural contexts where societal narratives and personal identities became increasingly important themes for artists. The magazine’s commitment to exploring these themes through critical essays and discussions indicates a response to contemporary issues such as politics, identity, and representation. As it provides a platform for voices that advocate for figurative practices, Artforum not only documents but also influences this pivotal moment in art history, emphasizing how these changes resonate within broader social conversations.

Related terms

Criticism: The analysis and evaluation of artworks, providing insights into their meaning, context, and significance within the art world.

Contemporary Art: Art produced in the late 20th century to the present, often reflecting current social, political, and cultural issues.

Figuration: An artistic movement that emphasizes representational forms, often featuring human figures or recognizable subjects, contrasting with abstract styles.