Four weeks ago, I proudly became a new American. This momentous occasion marked the conclusion of a 25-year journey that began at the dawn of the millennium and culminated just last month. The path I took was anything but straightforward, meandering through bureaucratic obstacles and unforeseen delays. Yet, for those who wander at heart, isn’t every detour in the pursuit of belonging part of our shared legacy?
Today, I find myself at yet another crossroads.
When Veken and I established Hyperallergic in 2009, we were driven by our passion for art writing and the unwavering belief that an independent voice could emerge without catering to the elite. My commitment to uncover untold stories and uplift marginalized perspectives allowed us to create ripples in an art media landscape that had long favored comfort over transparency. Veken’s tenacity demonstrated that readers would support independent art writing, desiring narratives grounded in truth, emotion, and the greater good.
Over the span of 16 years, we became a nurturing space for more than 2,500 voices and helped many forge new paths within the field. Together, we proved that independence and rigorous critique could thrive alongside a growing readership eager to reshape the discourse with thoughtful essays and innovative ideas.
Our efforts sparked new dialogues. Topics such as archaeology, memes, social justice, and protest—once considered niche—have now taken center stage. Our candid approach, once unique among major art publications, is now echoed even in corporate entities. Writers who cultivated their visions with us have gone on to publish impactful books and engage in even bolder inquiries. Throughout this journey, we have cherished our experiences—sometimes in the rush of deadlines and sometimes in the serene aftermath. We take immense pride in our contribution to the evolving conversation about art’s societal impact and relevance. It was no small feat, but we made it.
Effecting change in the contemporary art realm is never straightforward. In the beginning, we naively overlooked the complexities of the field—the often-invisible forces that suppress genuine journalism, praise superficial reforms, and at times threaten the joy in art’s most pressing questions. Yet, we persevered, building a community of readers and writers who cherish and toil in the arts.
Now, we are entering another phase: It is time to welcome a new Editor-in-Chief. Please join me in welcoming Hakim Bishara.
Hakim, a Palestinian writer, editor, curator, and artist, has penned some of the most insightful reviews and commentary of recent years, continuing Hyperallergic’s mission. Since joining our team in 2019, he has integrated his global and local insights into every narrative. As Staff Reporter, Senior Editor, and, most recently, Managing Editor, he has spotlighted emerging and underrepresented talents, urging us to dig deeper and explore issues that might have otherwise eluded us. His journalistic journey has touched various international platforms, contributing to outlets such as BBC, Euronews, among others, addressing topics spanning politics, art, and social movements; his articles and critiques have graced the pages of +972 Magazine, Financial Times, BOMB, Al Jazeera, and more. In the last few years, Hakim has delivered stirring critiques of exhibitions by Jenny Holzer, Ai Weiwei, Caspar David Friedrich, and an essay titled “Fabricated Crisis of Art Criticism,” which argued that “good art criticism is the crisis.”
His writing delves into themes of labor, funding, and representation, maintaining a critical stance towards elitism while advocating for justice. Hakim holds notable grants, completed his MFA in Art Writing at the School of Visual Arts, and studied law and international relations at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
I have full confidence that Hakim will guide Hyperallergic into exciting, unexplored territories—challenging our previous assumptions and forging new paths. Trusting someone with such a pivotal role has always been my aspiration; now it is realized, and I do so with optimism and excitement.
As for myself, my position will transition to Editor-at-Large. You will still see my writings, reviews, and reports showcasing across screens, in podcasts, and in additional future projects. But first, I will take a moment to reflect on what we have accomplished. In the process of discovering my identity as an American, I am learning to embrace being less of an editor and more of a writer. I hope you will warmly welcome Hakim as he takes the helm of the finest independent art publication as we continue to evolve and inspire. I am confident that under his leadership, Hyperallergic will remain in capable hands.
