The Death of the Art School
The crumbling of art education, Kim Gordon’s rock ' n ' roll art, Lee ShinJa’s fabric abstractions, and Pussy Riot’s new protest exhibition.
Did you know that between 1976 and 2011, admin jobs at American universities grew by a staggering 369% while full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty grew by only 23%? That’s because of the “administrification” and financialization of institutions of higher learning, writes art professor Hakan Topal in an important opinion piece today.
As a result, we get disgruntled professors who are stretched thin, students who are treated like paying customers, and administrators whose primary job is to manage discontent. What does this mean for the future of art schools, and what can be done about this crisis? Read Topal’s thoughts below and let us know what you think in the comments section.
—Hakim Bishara, editor-in-chief
The Death of the Art School
The rampant corporatization and “administrification” of American higher-education institutions has turned students into mere consumers. | Hakan Topal
News
- Russia’s highly criticized Venice Biennale national pavilion will reportedly be closed to the public after preview days as a workaround to comply with international sanctions.
- Pussy Riot's new protest exhibition features work by people currently or formerly imprisoned in Russia, including Ukrainian civilians.
Features
Joe Macken Spent 22 Years Building a Miniature New York by Hand
“It’s a lifelong project,” he said about the 50-foot replica, now on view at the Museum of the City of New York. “I’ll never, ever, ever be finished with it.” | Monica Uszerowicz
Kim Gordon Was Never Just the “Girl in the Band”
Best known as co-founder of Sonic Youth, her visual art incorporates humor, intelligence, vulnerability — and, of course, music. | Natalie Haddad
Co-Working Meets Art at Brooklyn’s Newest Experimental Space
Art hangs on cubicle walls and utility closets at The Gallery, an exhibition space housed in a former guitar string-maker’s office. | Aaron Short
Comic
Lee ShinJa’s Handwoven Portals
The nonagenarian South Korean artist helped catapult fiber art from the realm of domestic craft and tradition into the experimental field of contemporary art. | Coco Picard
Member Comment
Christopher Wangro on Rhea Nayyar's “Nude Performance at MFA Boston Confronts One of Art’s Oldest Tropes”
I'm also reminded of a night at The Whitney (I think it was 2004) when I accompanied a similarly-attired (IE: inches-from- naked) Julie Atlas Muse to The Biennial. Julie at that time was a much-loved Grand Dame of the NY Art-Burlesque scene, but nobody there seemed to know who she was - or care much about her birthday suit. In true NY style Julie was accepted. Crimson stilettos and little else? Why yes darling, why not?
Maybe it's a NY vs. Boston mindset. Maybe it's the era. Worth noting this particular precedent though, and bravo to Julie for helping pave the way.
From the Archive
My Grandma’s Doilies Are Not a Joke
When will art institutions finally pay respect to our foremothers’ artistry? | Elena Kanagy-Loux
