Our guests are Artforum co-editors Rachel Wetzler and Daniel Wenger. When the two stepped into the role this spring, the magazine, like nearly all print media and the art world at large, was wading through something of a backloop. But three issues in, a new era of the publication seems underway—one in which the magazine leans into being based in New York, and its exacting art criticism applies not just to the art on the wall but potentially to anything that operates on and through culture.
In Rachel and Daniel’s hands, major exhibition reviews can follow essays demystifying the creative logic of generative AI or a visit to a midtown Manhattan shop selling bank vaults; meanwhile, a heartfelt essay by Nairy Baghramian on the life of her gallerist Marian Goodman sits just as naturally on the page as a piece by Simon Denny on the aesthetics of Palantir.
Reading, you might think: could art criticism become the ur-mode for making sense of the world now? We talk to Rachel and Daniel about their vision for the magazine and their own backstories.
Then in post, Carly, who worked at Artforum from 2008 to 2014, added some meta-commentary on the digital shift and an impression of the Artforum she knew. Daniel and Rachel responded, also in post, with an impression of the Artforum that now is. This ep is sort of like a live-edited Google Doc in the form of a podcast.
__
Following is a mix of transcribed excerpts from the episode plus some extended captions. Sometimes there’s no visual distinction between the two. I’m sure you’ll figure it out…
Before being acquired by Penske Media in December 2022, Artforum was located a few blocks south of Penn Station. The main office, at 350 7th Avenue, occupied the 19th floor, which, if the lore is true, had formerly housed a fur manufacturer. […]
