Selected Writings, 1969-2016

Selected Writings, 1969-2016 compiles over four decades of art criticism and essays by Peter Schjeldahl, the longtime art critic for The New Yorker. The collection spans his early work for ARTnews and The Village Voice through his later pieces for The New Yorker. The book includes reviews of major exhibitions, profiles of artists, and commentary on art world developments from the 1960s through the 2010s. Schjeldahl's coverage encompasses modern masters like Willem de Kooning and Andy Warhol alongside contemporary figures such as Jeff Koons and Matthew Barney. His writing combines close observation of individual artworks with broader cultural analysis and personal reflection. The chronological arrangement allows readers to trace the evolution of both Schjeldahl's critical voice and the art world he documented. Through these collected pieces, Schjeldahl explores enduring questions about beauty, meaning, and the role of art in society. His work demonstrates how criticism itself can become a form of literature while maintaining its primary function of helping readers see and understand art more clearly.

Readers praise Schjeldahl's accessible yet intellectually rigorous art criticism. Several note his ability to describe visual art through vivid, precise language without becoming pretentious. Multiple reviews highlight his conversational tone and how he connects art history to contemporary culture. Likes: - Clear explanations that help readers appreciate complex artworks - Personal anecdotes that humanize famous artists - Writing style balances expertise with approachability Dislikes: - Some essays feel dated or too focused on 1970s art world - A few readers found the collection's organization confusing - Occasional repetition between pieces Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (52 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (11 reviews) "His descriptions make you see art with new eyes," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. Another noted: "Even when discussing art I've never seen, his writing pulls me in completely." The main criticism from multiple reviewers was that the book would benefit from more images of discussed artworks.

Still Looking: Essays on American Art by John Updike A collection of essays examining 20th-century American paintings and sculptures through the lens of both art criticism and personal experience.

Hot, Cold, Heavy, Light by Peter Schjeldahl A compilation of art reviews and critical pieces spanning four decades of exhibitions at galleries and museums throughout New York City.

Air Guitar: Essays on Art & Democracy by Dave Hickey Essays merging art criticism with cultural commentary, connecting high art to popular culture through observations of American life.

Nothing If Not Critical by Robert Hughes Reviews and critiques from The New Republic and Time magazine chronicle the art world from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Ways of Seeing by John Berger Essays based on the BBC television series examine how historical and social contexts shape the interpretation of visual art.

⭐ As an art critic, Peter Schjeldahl never received formal art education and was entirely self-taught, which he credited for his fresh, unconventional perspective on art criticism. 🎨 The book spans nearly five decades of writing, including Schjeldahl's work for The Village Voice, The New Yorker, and other prestigious publications. ✍️ Schjeldahl began his career as a poet before transitioning to art criticism, and his lyrical writing style earned him the nickname "the poet of art criticism." 📖 Many essays in the collection were written while Schjeldahl viewed artworks in person, capturing his immediate, visceral reactions rather than researched historical analysis. 🏆 The author was awarded the Clark Prize for Excellence in Arts Writing in 2008, and his work in this collection demonstrates why he was considered one of America's most influential art critics.