The year 2025 has been a whirlwind of art shows, films, and cultural movements that have kept the art world buzzing. From the rise of Crusadercore to the fight for better working conditions for figure models, there is no shortage of topics to delve into. As we bid farewell to the Kennedy Center and welcome the Trump-Kennedy Center, the veil of autocracy is lifted, revealing both transparency and hidden evils.
Independent journalism plays a crucial role in uncovering the intersections of power and image-making. It is through platforms like Hyperallergic that we get a glimpse into the stories that question who benefits from this potent mix. The No Kings movement, the struggles of figure models, artists grappling with debt, and the bold statements made by NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani at a museum in Queens are just a few highlights of this edition.
Our revamped community columns have been a hit, offering insights from various perspectives within the art world. Art Movements, Art Problems, Required Reading, In Memoriam, and A View From the Easel provide a diverse range of voices and experiences. And let’s not forget our Best of 2025 lists, featuring our favorite art films and exhibitions of the year, curated by a team of prominent critics and contributors.
But to keep this publication thriving, we need your support. Social media and AI companies are profiting off our content, and ad revenue alone is not enough to sustain us. By becoming a member, you can make a significant impact on our work as an independent art publication. Join us now and help us reach our goal of 8,000 members by the end of the year.
As we look ahead to 2026, exciting events like the Art + Environment Summit and exhibitions like “Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass” at the National Museum of the American Indian await. The art world is constantly evolving, and we are here to bring you the latest news, insights, and opinions from our critics.
From Joan Semmel’s thought-provoking body paintings to the sinister plan to demolish a Brutalist icon in Dallas, there is no shortage of topics to explore. Our critics delve deep into the art world, offering fresh perspectives on everything from indigenous glass art to the timeliness of W. E. B. Du Bois’s philosophies.
As we reflect on the events of 2025 and look forward to the year ahead, we invite you to join us on this journey through the ever-evolving world of art and culture. Your support is essential in helping us continue to bring you the stories that matter. Thank you for reading, and have a great weekend.
– Hakim Bishara, editor-in-chief
