Artforum Editor Concludes Two-Year Tenure with Reflections on Magazine's Evolution

Tina Rivers Ryan has completed her two-year term as Editor-in-Chief of Artforum, marking the end of her leadership with a final editorial letter. During her tenure from 2024 to 2026, she oversaw 19 print issues and digital content, emphasizing rigorous, nuanced writing about art and culture. Under her direction, Artforum expanded its international focus, prioritizing global perspectives beyond traditional art capitals like New York. The magazine introduced new formats including monthly Checklist interviews with curators, a December Critics' Critics column, Dossier web anthologies, and the Under the Influence video series. A major cover redesign modernized the publication's visual identity for the first time in twenty years. Ryan highlighted the importance of live events, with panels convened in cities such as Los Angeles and Paris, as a response to challenges like AI-generated content and algorithmic censorship. The final issue features content including a review of Władysław Strzemiński's Marxist Theory of Seeing by Józefina Chętko, a feature on artist Bettina by editor Katherine Rochester, curator statements on biennials, and a review of the "Five Friends" exhibition at Museum Brandhorst and Museum Ludwig by James Meyer. Online content included Andrew Berardini's Diary from Frieze Week in Los Angeles, a statement from designer Erik Brandt, and a video interview with artist Trevor Paglen. Ryan expressed confidence in the incoming editorial team led by Co-Editors Rachel Wetzler and Daniel Wenger, noting her plan to continue contributing as a writer. She reflected on Artforum's role in fostering dialogue and addressing significant questions in contemporary art, emphasizing the value of substantive commentary over publicity.