Afterall Journal Issue 35 Foreword Explores Art World Value Systems Through Critical Essays

Anders Kreuger introduces the 35th issue of Afterall Journal, reflecting on art publications as necessary yet flawed tools for navigating the art world. The issue features contextual essays, artist profiles, and analyses of specific works, structured around three recurring text types. Shepherd Steiner examines Helen Frankenthaler's posthumous exhibition at Gagosian Gallery in Chelsea, New York, critiquing the contemporary art market and Clement Greenberg's aesthetic theories. Tony Chakar contributes both as artist and writer, with Haig Aivazian introducing his work addressing Lebanon's recent past. Ekaterina Degot discusses Russian artist Olga Chernysheva's connection to Soviet anti-formalist criticism, while Robert Bird analyzes cinematic elements in her practice. Diana Taylor documents Teatro da Vertigem's 2012 immersive performance Bom Retiro 958 metros in São Paulo's garment district, with Marco Moraes providing background on the collective. Laura Mulvey writes about Max Ophüls's 1955 film Lola Montès, and Brigid Doherty reviews Rosemarie Trockel's 2012–13 exhibition 'A Cosmos'. Filipa Oliveira explores Ângela Ferreira's Zip Zap Circus School project in Cape Town, based on Pancho Guedes's unbuilt design. Eric Golo Stone revisits Helmut Draxler and Andrea Fraser's 1994–97 'Services' exhibition. Kreuger emphasizes the journal's commitment to quality writing that transcends trade publication conventions, aiming for unity within multiplicity of perspectives.