America's Summer "New Talent" Edition of Art in America Highlights 20 Emerging Artists, Showcases Figurative Painting's Resurgence, Explores Art's Newfound Spiritual Direction, and More
In the early stages of the second Trump administration, a tumultuous and alarming period, Democratic Senator Cory Booker took the forefront in resistance efforts. During a 25-hour filibuster, Booker broke the record set by Strom Thurmond in 1957, delivering a powerful, anti-Trump speech from the Senate floor. The captivating address drew widespread attention and was livestreamed on platforms like TikTok.
The dramatic action came in response to Trump's contentious policies, which flavored the political landscape and left many questioning the rule of law. The art world, too, felt the impact, with cuts at the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services being felt in early April.
Artists, however, offer a glimmer of hope in times of uncertainty. Nico Williams, for example, crafts elaborate beadwork from everyday objects, aspiring for booming laughter to resonate through the streets. Bint Mbareh remarks on the privilege and necessity of political art, while Justin Allen finds political critique in 2000s-era indie music.
Agnes Questionmark, who creates unflinching work about being trans, has faced increased scrutiny under the current administration. Her 12-hour, suspended performance in a Milan subway station demonstrated resilience in the face of potentially triggering monstrousness.
This issue of Art in America features profiles of 20 exciting artists to watch, as well as articles on the recent resurgence of figurative painting, the role of spiritual art as a balm in an inhospitable world, and a chat with Amalia Ulman about her transition from art to film. Departments include Datebook, Hard Truths, Sightlines, Inquiry, Object Lesson, Battle Royale, Syllabus, Appreciation, Issues & Commentary, Spotlight, Book Review, Cover Artist, Reviews for Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Chicago, London, New Brunswick, Seattle, and more.
- The art world, amidst the tumultuous second Trump administration, witnessed a rise in political art, with artists such as Agnes Questionmark creating unflinching work about being trans, facing increased scrutiny under the current administration.
- Nico Williams, for example, crafts elaborate beadwork from everyday objects, aspiring for booming laughter to resonate through the streets, offering a glimmer of hope in times of uncertainty.
- In contrast to the general-news dominating the Headlines, the forthcoming issue of Art in America features profiles of 20 exciting artists to watch, covering topics such as the recent resurgence of figurative painting and the role of spiritual art as a balm in an inhospitable world.
- Bint Mbareh remarks on the privilege and necessity of political art, while Justin Allen finds political critique in 2000s-era indie music, showcasing the diversity and modernity of the art world.
- Despite the political atmosphere, the art fair season continues to attract crowds, with events such as the Miami Art Fair and the Armory Show providing a platform for various artists, galleries, and museums to exhibit their work.
