The art world is molting - some would say melting. Galleries are closing; museums are scaling back

The art world is molting - some would say melting. Galleries are closing; museums are scaling back

The art world is currently experiencing a significant shift, with many galleries closing their doors and museums scaling back their operations. This trend has been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced many cultural institutions to reevaluate their business models and adapt to the new reality of social distancing and reduced foot traffic.

One prominent voice in the art world who has been vocal about these changes is Jerry Saltz, the Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic for New York Magazine. Saltz has been a fierce advocate for artists and galleries, and has been quick to point out the challenges facing the art world in the current climate. In a recent interview, Saltz lamented the closure of many galleries and the impact it has had on artists and the broader art community.

Saltz has also been critical of the way in which museums have been forced to scale back their operations in response to the pandemic. Many museums have had to lay off staff, cancel exhibitions, and reduce their hours of operation in order to stay afloat. Saltz has argued that these changes are not only detrimental to the institutions themselves, but also to the artists whose work is being sidelined as a result.

Despite these challenges, Saltz remains optimistic about the future of the art world. He believes that the current crisis presents an opportunity for the industry to reinvent itself and find new ways to connect with audiences. Saltz has been a vocal proponent of online exhibitions and virtual tours, which he sees as a way to reach a broader and more diverse audience.