Beckmann: Paris Society (1931)

Do art critics still matter?

Today's frenetic art world pushes criticism to the sidelines--and many critics are not helping matters

By Marc Spiegler [The Art Newspaper, 16 Apr 05]

In the popular imagination, the art critic seems a commanding figure, making and breaking careers at will, but one hard look at today's contemporary art system reveals this notion to be delusional."When I entered the art world, famous critics had an aura of power", recalls ArtBasel director Samuel Keller. "Now they're more like philosophers--respected, but not as powerful as collectors, dealers or curators. Nobody fears critics any more, which is a real danger sign for the profession."

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