Artforum

Definition

Artforum is a contemporary art magazine founded in 1962 that serves as a platform for art criticism, reviews, and discussion about visual culture. It plays a significant role in shaping the discourse around contemporary art, especially within the context of post-war America, where Pop Art emerged and thrived. The magazine has influenced the way artists, critics, and the public perceive and engage with art, making it a crucial player in the development of art movements like Pop Art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Artforum has been instrumental in promoting new artists and movements, often highlighting emerging trends in contemporary art.
2. The magazine's format includes not just criticism but also interviews with artists, essays on theoretical issues, and features on exhibitions.
3. Artforum has developed a global reach, influencing not only American art but also international art scenes by covering events and artists from around the world.
4. The publication is known for its scholarly approach to art criticism, often featuring in-depth analyses that connect artworks to broader cultural and historical themes.
5. Throughout its history, Artforum has contributed to the legitimacy of contemporary art as a field of academic study and cultural relevance.

Review Questions

• How did Artforum contribute to the visibility and understanding of Pop Art during its emergence in the 1960s?
  • Artforum played a crucial role in bringing attention to Pop Art by featuring influential artists and critiquing their work in the context of American culture. By publishing articles that connected Pop Art to consumerism and mass media, the magazine helped situate these artists within broader cultural conversations. This visibility not only elevated individual artists but also solidified Pop Art's place in the history of modern art.
• Evaluate the impact of Artforum on contemporary art criticism and its relationship with artists and the art market.
  • Artforum has significantly shaped contemporary art criticism by providing a respected platform for critical discourse that influences both artists and collectors. The magazine's rigorous analysis promotes deeper engagement with artworks beyond aesthetic appreciation, impacting how they are perceived in the market. As a result, Artforum has become essential reading for those involved in the arts community, fostering dialogue that can affect trends and values in the art market.
• Assess how Artforum’s editorial choices reflect or challenge broader social and cultural movements within the context of visual culture.
  • Artforum's editorial choices often mirror or challenge prevailing social and cultural movements by selecting topics that resonate with contemporary issues such as identity politics, globalization, and technology. By featuring diverse voices and underrepresented artists, the magazine actively participates in discussions about inclusivity in the arts. This engagement not only reflects societal changes but also shapes future dialogues within visual culture, making Artforum a barometer for artistic trends that align with or contest mainstream narratives.

Related terms

Critical Theory: A philosophical approach to art and culture that seeks to understand the social, political, and historical contexts of artistic expression.

Visual Culture: The study of how visual images and practices shape our understanding of society and culture, encompassing various forms of media including art, photography, and advertising.

Art Criticism: The practice of analyzing and interpreting artworks, which helps shape public understanding and appreciation of art through essays, reviews, and discussions.