The early painting by Gerhard Richter that appears on the cover of this issue, now in the collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art, was part of a gift from UBS to the museum that was championed by Donald B. Marron. The financier’s lifelong support of artists, cultural institutions, and philanthropic causes prepared a foundation for future generations to build upon and made him one of the best-known collectors of his time. A profile of Marron by Jacoba Urist appears in this issue. A beautifully illustrated article on Richter’s celebrated Cage paintings, and their presentation at Gagosian in Beverly Hills, includes a perceptive conversation between curator Hans Ulrich Obrist and the artist.
For our 2021 fiction series, the Quarterly is collaborating with PEN America to publish short stories by authors in its advocacy and literary programs. We kick off the series with Writing for Justice Fellow Cleyvis Natera’s work of autofiction “Compass.” In it, we witness the women of an immigrant family struggle to define themselves within and against the confines of language, motherhood, and domestic violence.
Also inside the issue, we are inaugurating a new interview series, “An Eye on the Market.” For our first installment, market expert Laura Paulson brings clarity to the state of the art market in the wake of the pandemic and helps us to navigate next steps.
Elsewhere in the issue, Nathaniel Mary Quinn and Gisele Castro speak about exalt, a New York nonprofit working with and advocating for court-involved youth; Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan talk to Michael Cary about their research into the life of Francis Bacon and the art of biography; Annette Leddy and Rani Singh dig into the diaries, photo archives, and research papers of art critics; Nicola Vassell interviews Ming Smith; John Elderfield describes his experience of The Lightning Field (1977), Walter De Maria’s legendary installation in New Mexico; readers will find a poem by Jonathan Galassi inspired by the photography of Cy Twombly; Raymond Foye writes on the mutual influence and enduring legacy of Jordan Belson and Harry Smith; and we present what might be the last interview with the late and beloved choreographer Aileen Passloff.
For all of this and more, contact the Gagosian Shop to order your copy and subscribe, or read the issue online.
