Inside T Magazine’s Latest Digital Issue

A look at the iconoclastic artists who have found power in saying no.

View in browser|nytimes.com October 5, 2024 T's Art Issue: The Power of Saying No By M.H. Miller There's a common misconception about the art business that states that, within the industry, there are essentially no rules. True, it's a vast and murky marketplace with few regulations, but to succeed as an artist within it has often meant, for many, following quite a number of rules. Chief among them is showing up. There are exhibition openings and lunches and galas; there are cocktail hours and auctions and vernissages; there are V.I.P. previews and panels and dinners that last the length of a Frederick Wiseman documentary. Participation in these events isn't compulsory, but it can feel that way. As much as the art world says it values risk takers, it doesn't always reward them. Yet some have charted a different path, finding that there are even greater rewards in sidestepping the rules, in simply saying, "No." For T's annual Art issue, which appeared online this week, we're looking at a small group who represent the art world's true iconoclasts, those who reject the social trappings of the art business — and in some cases, the business itself — and for whom the power of no has opened doors and led to new possibilities. They've also created their own mythologies. The subjects of the five stories have all become figures of fascination for declining to do what's expected of them. In a culture that tends to demand that all of its artists be public figures — that they weigh in on the news cycle and broadcast their every opinion on social media — there's something even more compelling about those who do just the opposite, who let their art speak for itself. FEATURES © 2024 David Hammons/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Photo: © Bruce W. Talamon T's Art Issue The Secret Art of David Hammons Through interviews with some of his colleagues and collaborators — and several rare images — T considers the last half-century of an elusive artist's practice. By Nicole Acheampong Maddie McGarvey T's Art Issue Why the Pre-eminent Artists of Internet Culture Escaped to Rural Ohio A visit to Ryan Trecartin and Lizzie Fitch's compound in the sticks. By John Chiaverina Tony Floyd T's Art Issue New Mexico Is Where the Outlaw Artists Live Over the past century, the state has provided refuge for renegades like Agnes Martin and Judy Chicago. It still does, even with a new wave of arrivals closing in. By Zoë Lescaze and Tony Floyd Tommy Kha T's Art Issue This Artist Once Spent a Year in a Cage. Now He's Trying to Enjoy Himself. With his extreme performance art, Tehching Hsieh gave the word endurance new meaning. In retirement, he's working on cementing his legacy. By Jennie Livingston Polaroids © Cady Noland, courtesy of Gagosian T's Art Issue Just How Much Control Can an Artist Have Over Their Work? Cady Noland, who became the darling of the art world, has tested the limits. By Julia Halperin Sign up here to receive weekly cultural roundups, monthly beauty and travel guides, and the latest stories from our issues. And you can always reach us at tmagazine@nytimes.com. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for T Magazine from The New York Times. To stop receiving T Magazine, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018