Barry Schwabsky

Art Critic

Barry Schwabsky is the art critic of The Nation.

The Complete History of Every One: On Zoe Strauss

The Complete History of Every One: On Zoe Strauss The Complete History of Every One: On Zoe Strauss

Zoe Strauss has turned the streets of Philadelphia into a museum for her photography.

Feb 7, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

The Devil, Probably: On Maurizio Cattelan

The Devil, Probably: On Maurizio Cattelan The Devil, Probably: On Maurizio Cattelan

An artist known as a trickster and showman stages a disappearing act at the Guggenheim.

Jan 11, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Signs of Protest: Occupy’s Guerilla Semiotics

Signs of Protest: Occupy’s Guerilla Semiotics Signs of Protest: Occupy’s Guerilla Semiotics

Does the content of a demonstration always exceed and fall short of its ostensible message?

Dec 14, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Restless in Oslo: On Ida Ekblad and Edvard Munch

Restless in Oslo: On Ida Ekblad and Edvard Munch Restless in Oslo: On Ida Ekblad and Edvard Munch

An obscure dissatisfaction, a sense that no formal solution works for long, is shared by the art of Ida Ekblad and Edvard Munch.

Nov 16, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Vacant, Limpid, Angelic: On Willem de Kooning

Vacant, Limpid, Angelic: On Willem de Kooning Vacant, Limpid, Angelic: On Willem de Kooning

MoMA’s de Kooning retrospective.

Oct 18, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

An Ambiguous Medium: On Lee Ufan

An Ambiguous Medium: On Lee Ufan An Ambiguous Medium: On Lee Ufan

The aesthetic illusions of a Korean artist.

Sep 21, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

The Perpetual Guest: On Warren Niesluchowski

The Perpetual Guest: On Warren Niesluchowski The Perpetual Guest: On Warren Niesluchowski

A visit from Warren is a test of hospitality: you don’t take him in, you take him on.

Aug 24, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Many Facets, No Overview: On the Venice Biennale

Many Facets, No Overview: On the Venice Biennale Many Facets, No Overview: On the Venice Biennale

This year's edition of the Venice Biennale sinks under sprawl and overfamiliarity.

Jul 27, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Refutation of the Refutation: On Jeff Wall

Refutation of the Refutation: On Jeff Wall Refutation of the Refutation: On Jeff Wall

Has success spoiled the photography and the art of Jeff Wall?

Jun 28, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

An Unfinished Tradition: On Édouard Manet

An Unfinished Tradition: On Édouard Manet An Unfinished Tradition: On Édouard Manet

Édouard Manet has become a popular painter, yet he remains a difficult and unpredictable one.

Jun 1, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

x