Critic Ken Johnson's Review of Michelle Grabner's Exhibition Sparks Controversy with Artist Amy Sillman

A dispute erupted between artist Amy Sillman and New York Times critic Ken Johnson over his review of Michelle Grabner's exhibition at James Cohan Gallery in New York, running from October 9 to November 15, 2014. Sillman, in a letter submitted to the Times and shared on Facebook, criticized Johnson for reducing Grabner to a 'bland and witless mom' and 'soccer mom,' overlooking her extensive credentials, including her role as a professor, curator of the 2014 Whitney Biennial, and director of experimental spaces the Suburban and Poor Farm. She accused Johnson of factual errors, such as ignoring Grabner's study of math, science, and philosophy, and cited past complaints of racism and sexism against his writing. Johnson responded by defending his critique, arguing that Grabner's resume shouldn't shield her from criticism and questioning Sillman's objectivity due to Grabner curating Sillman's work in the Biennial. He maintained that the exhibition's works were bland and not satirical enough, denying allegations of racism and sexism as slanderous and unproven. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in art criticism over gender and representation.