Introduction

In a packed room at T.J. Byrnes, an Irish pub in lower Manhattan, the enigmatic art critic Jerry Saltz took the spotlight in a conversation with writer and columnist Dean Kissick. The event was organized by the Perić Collection and marked the ninth instalment of the Seaport Talks.

Diverse Crowd Gathers

The back room of the pub was filled with folding chairs, with nearly every seat occupied by an eclectic audience. Attendees ranged from young and fashionable “Dimes Squarescenesters” to established artists who have made their mark on the internet. Matt Moravec, the organizer of the Perić Collection, noted that it was the biggest and most diverse crowd the Seaport Talks had seen.

Jerry Saltz: A Unique Art Critic

Jerry Saltz, the Pulitzer Prize-winning senior art critic and columnist for New York magazine, is not your typical art critic. He and his wife, equally renowned art critic Roberta Smith, visit around 30 art shows per week, and Saltz is known for his active presence on social media.

A Late Arrival with Coffee and Donuts

Saltz arrived at the event with an extra-large coffee from Dunkin Donuts in one hand and boxes of donuts in the other, which he distributed to the crowd. He mingled with attendees and posed for photos with his coffee, setting a relaxed and engaging tone for the evening.

Saltz’s Affection for Social Media

During the conversation, Saltz and Kissick delved into Saltz’s deep affection for social media and the impact it has had on his career. Saltz acknowledged that his online persona, his “second self,” is known for its bold and sometimes shocking behaviour. He explained how his online presence allows him to connect with a broader audience and communicate in ways that traditional art criticism does not permit.

The Transition Away from Academic Language

Saltz humorously shared his early use of overly academic and jargonized language in his writing, which gained him recognition. However, as he matured as a critic, he moved away from this style, as it did not feel authentic to him. He emphasized the importance of finding one’s own voice as a writer and critic.

Saltz’s Daily Routine and Instagram Navigation

The conversation also provided insights into Saltz’s daily routine and his approach to Instagram. He admitted to waking up in panic at the thought of writing every day and discussed his Instagram habits, which involve scrolling and capturing what he finds convincing, even if he doesn’t necessarily like everything he posts.

The State of Art Criticism

Regarding the current state of art criticism, Saltz expressed his belief that it is “on pause.” He noted that much of today’s criticism is primarily supportive of artists, with a lack of negative reviews. He highlighted the importance of having a wide and diverse art world that accommodates art of all kinds, from good to bad and gimmicky.

Q&A Session and Candid Responses

During the Q&A session, Saltz engaged with the audience and addressed questions candidly. He explained why certain print stories feature famous figures while lesser-known artists appear on his Instagram. Saltz also expressed his belief in the value of a vast and inclusive art world, one that welcomes art of all types.

A Unique Perspective on Art

In summary, Jerry Saltz’s conversation at T.J. Byrnes provided a unique and candid look at the life and perspectives of a renowned art critic who has embraced social media and is unafraid to challenge traditional norms of art criticism. Saltz’s journey from academic language to his authentic voice and his embrace of a diverse art world make him a notable figure in the contemporary art scene.

Feature Iamge Courtesy: Penguin

How to Be an Artist? Find Out What Renowned Art Critic Jerry Saltz Has to Say