UPDATE: Philip Leider, the groundbreaking founding editor of Artforum, has passed away at the age of 96. He died at his home in Berkeley, California, on January 11, 2023. His daughter, Polly Leider, confirmed the news, marking a significant loss for the art community.
Under Leider’s leadership since the magazine’s inception in 1962, Artforum transformed into the most influential art publication in the United States. With a commitment to separating art from commerce, he shaped the magazine’s ethos, asserting, “Art and artists will flourish when an admiring public buys paintings because they love them,” in the inaugural issue.
Renowned artist Richard Serra highlighted Leider’s impact, stating, “More than any other voice or venue, Artforum substantiated the break in American culture in the late ’60s. And it was largely thanks to Phil Leider.” This statement underscores Leider’s role in fostering a critical dialogue around contemporary art.
Born in New York City in 1929, Leider was the son of Jewish immigrants. He pursued a BA in history at Brooklyn College and later earned an MA in English Literature from the University of Nebraska. His early career included time as a social worker, which was pivotal in his eventual role at Artforum, where he was the magazine’s only paid staffer in its early days.
Leider’s innovative vision attracted key voices in art criticism, including Michael Fried and Rosalind Krauss. He was also instrumental in championing figures like Andy Warhol and promoting Land art movements.
Despite his critical success, Leider was known for his aversion to power and financial gain. Described by journalist Janet Malcolm as someone who prioritized family over the trappings of success, he maintained a commitment to the integrity of the publication against commercial pressures.
In 1971, at the peak of Artforum‘s influence, Leider resigned, feeling disconnected from the evolving art scene. He transitioned to academia, teaching art history at the University of California, Irvine, and later at the Bezalel Academy of Fine Arts in Jerusalem.
He continued to contribute to prominent art magazines even after retirement in 1998. Tragically, he leaves behind his wife, Gladys, three children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
As the art world mourns his passing, Michael Fried poignantly remarked, “Phil Leider was a charming, funny, brilliant man, and there would be no Artforum without him.” This sentiment echoes across the art community, signifying the profound impact Leider had on contemporary art discourse.
The legacy of Philip Leider will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the future of art criticism and appreciation. For those in the art community, the developments surrounding his life and contributions remain a poignant reminder of the power of art to provoke, challenge, and inspire.
