The Easel | Art journalism

24th June 2025

Rashid Johnson

Aruna D’Souza | 4Columns | 13th June 2025

Starting out, Johnson was called “post-Black” for his avoidance of racial stereotypes. Now honoured with a mid-career survey, do we see him more clearly? Besides his original medium of photography, he works across video, painting, mosaic and sculpture. One critic groans about “hectic conceptualism” – lots of ideas, some great but others that are “too esoteric”. The linked piece notes all the allusions and wonders if Johnson’s work is “activism [or just] décor … I’m not so sure”.

Curator Robert Fucci Unpacks the Narrative Intrigue of ‘Vermeer’s Love Letters’

Dan Duray | Observer | 21st June 2025

To celebrate its renovation New York’s Frick is showing three Vermeers, each a genre scene that focus on a favourite theme, the love letter. Dutch society in Vermeer’s day was not always willing to let women choose their partners. The love letter, often transmitted by one’s maid, was one way to steer events in a desired direction. So, in these paintings, there is dramatic tension – will love win out? Says one critic “three staggeringly beautiful works”. A backgrounder is here.

Genre love letters New York USA Vermeer Johannes

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