Ferran Adrià’s Documenta 12 selection sparks debate on art criticism’s crisis
The selection of chef Ferran Adrià as one of only two Spanish participants in Documenta 12 has stirred controversy in the Spanish art world, raising questions about the boundaries between culinary art and contemporary art. Critic David G. Torres argues that this choice reflects a broader crisis in art criticism, where the loss of discursive content and critical judgment has reduced criticism to mere information. Torres traces the decline of ‘valorizing criticism’ from Michael Fried’s 1960s critique to the present, where critics have become institutional accomplices. He calls for a return to opinion and discussion as the foundation of art.
Key facts
- Ferran Adrià is a renowned chef who invented foams and classifies foods in tables.
- Adrià and Ibon Aramberri are the only Spanish artists selected for Documenta 12.
- David G. Torres is a Barcelona-based art critic.
- Torres references Clement Greenberg, Michael Fried, George Dickie, Arthur Danto, Thierry de Duve, and José Luis Brea.
- Torres cites On Kawara’s telegrams and Chris Burden’s self-shooting as examples of content-driven art.
- He mentions Antoni Miralda, Daniel Spoerri, and Carsten Höller as artists whose work blurs with non-art.
- The article was originally published in Spanish and translated by Thomas de Kayser.
- Torres argues that criticism must reclaim its discursive function and independence from institutions.
Entities
Artists
- Ferran Adrià
- Ibon Aramberri
- On Kawara
- Chris Burden
- Antoni Miralda
- Daniel Spoerri
- Carsten Höller
- David G. Torres
Institutions
- Documenta
- artpress
Locations
- Barcelona
- Spain
Sources
- artpress —