In addition to short-term editorial projects, the Art21 Magazine has also offered writers a platform to investigate longstanding concepts through columns. These subjects were explored over the course of a number of years before coming to a close, or evolving into a revised investigation through a new column.
Listed here in order from most recent to least, this page archives all of the retired columns that are no longer actively pursued by Art21 Magazine contributors.
“Alchemy of Inspiration“
by Jessica Lott
2012-2014
This column explored the nature of inspiration and the intersection of artists’ lives and work, posing an investigation not only into the nature of creating, but also into the multiple personal and cultural forces that factor into the process.
“Ink: Notes on the Contemporary Print“
by Sarah Kirk Hanley, Nicole Simpson, Julia V. Hendrickson, and Charles Schultz
2010-2013
This specialized medium-based column provided a forum to discuss contemporary prints, printmaking, and book arts. Posts varied from in-depth interviews to general discussion on the state of printmaking, to reviews of selected new editions, exhibitions, and scholarly publications.
“Open Enrollment“
by various contributors
2010-2013
“Open Enrollment” served as a forum for students currently enrolled in some form of art graduate study to chronicle their experiences. Every semester a new group of writers was invited to contribute posts on their schools and studies.
“Praxis Makes Perfect“
by various contributors
2011-2013
Written by recent MFA graduates, “Praxis Makes Perfect” was a continuation of “Open Enrollment,” allowing for artists’ reflections on the next stage in their lives and careers. Emerging artists explored the period immediately following grad school when an artist’s identity is no longer defined by the pursuit of a fine arts degree.
“Bedfellows: Art and Visual Culture“
by Victoria Gannon and Georgia Kotretsos
2011-2012
In highlighting the similarities between art and visual culture, “Bedfellows” revealed their distinctions and unique approaches to cultural phenomena. By acknowledging that visual culture and contemporary art often share cultural milieus and influences, and by examining these forms of production side by side, “Bedfellows” explored their shared inspirations.
“Inspired Reading“
by Kelly Huang
2011-2012
“Inspired Reading” featured interviews with artists and cultural producers about their current project(s), focusing on what texts have informed them along the way. Each column included a reading list with links to the cited texts.
“Lives and Works in Berlin“
by Ali Fitzgerald, Ethan Hayes-Chute, Anna Milandri, and Alex Freedman
2010-2012
“Lives and Works in Berlin” offered readers a behind-the-scenes peek into art collectives’ cellars and blockbuster museum hits, as told by three artists and a curator living and working in this transient town. In 2013 the concept evolved into a new column, “Queer Berlin.”
“5 Questions for Contemporary Practice“
by Thom Donovan
2010-2012
“5 Questions” showcased the work of artists, publishers, activists, curators, educators, and academics. It presented participants’ responses to a basic questionnaire, followed by elaboration, analysis, and engagement with the participant’s work.
“Gastro-Vision“
by Nicole J. Caruth
2009-2012
Dedicated to all things food, “Gastro-Vision” connected food and drink to broader topics in contemporary visual art and culture. Since the prehistoric cave paintings of bison, deer, and other fodder, food has permeated all forms of cultural production.
“On Location“
by Art21 Director of Production Nick Ravich
2009-2010
“On Location” gave readers the scoop on Art21 production’s comings and goings including straight-from-the-set reports on recent shoots and enlightening discussions on areas where television production and contemporary art collide.
“What’s Cookin: The Art21ndex“
by Mary Cook and Jonathan Munar
2009-2010
“What’s Cookin” offered a synopsis of the articles published on the Art21 Blog at the end of each week. For your dining pleasure, stay awhile, there’s always something to share at this table.
