Barry Schwabsky

Art Critic

Barry Schwabsky is the art critic of The Nation.

Nan Goldin

Nan Goldin’s Life Between Art and Activism Nan Goldin’s Life Between Art and Activism

The impact of her pioneering photography and her advocacy on behalf of those harmed by Purdue Pharma is chronicled in Laura Poitras’s All the Beauty and the Bloodshed.

Mar 4, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Beyond Zombie Figuration

Beyond Zombie Figuration Beyond Zombie Figuration

The craze for figurative painting might be at an impasse. These three painters stand above the pack, making work that challenges the very idea of the form.

Dec 19, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

RICK LOWE's Victoria Square Project- Open Borders, 2022

The Outer Limits of Painting The Outer Limits of Painting

Recent shows from Rick Lowe and Mary Heilmann subvert expectations of the medium, their work exploring social life and its imperfections past the confines of the canvas.

Nov 8, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Peter Schjeldahl, 2008

Schjeldahl’s Art Schjeldahl’s Art

At a time when art criticism was becoming more and more scholastic in tone, Peter Schjeldahl proudly upheld the banner of belletristic criticism.

Oct 26, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Rick Barton, “Barcelona”

Beyond the Wall: On Rick Barton Beyond the Wall: On Rick Barton

An exhibition of drawings by a forgotten Bay Area artist is a feat of curating, reminding us that museums can a still shine a light on remarkable work.

Oct 12, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

The Secret Powers of William Klein

The Secret Powers of William Klein The Secret Powers of William Klein

Using the street as his studio, he did more than just freeze a time and place in one frame. His photographs captured the world in motion.

Aug 31, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Philip Guston’s Philosophy of Doubt

Philip Guston’s Philosophy of Doubt Philip Guston’s Philosophy of Doubt

A delayed, divisive, and long-awaited retrospective finally debuts in Boston. 

Jul 28, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

The Whitney Biennial Isn’t As Bad as It Looks

The Whitney Biennial Isn’t As Bad as It Looks The Whitney Biennial Isn’t As Bad as It Looks

But it sure does make a poor first impression.

May 11, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Landscapes of the Mind

Landscapes of the Mind Landscapes of the Mind

On Joseph E. Yoakum and Etel Adnan.

Mar 29, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Are Museums in Crisis?

Are Museums in Crisis? Are Museums in Crisis?

As institutions around the world deal with various challenges—politically and economically—it is worth asking if museums have lost their authority.

Mar 8, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

x