Time magazine released its annual Time 100 list on September 20, 2025, naming the most influential people of the year across six categories. Four art world figures made the list: visual artists Yoshitomo Nara and Mickalene Thomas (categorized as an "innovator"), architect Annabelle Selldorf, and novelist/filmmaker/performance artist Miranda July. The list also includes corporate CEOs, Trump administration members, fashion designers, and athletes, with each entry accompanied by a write-up from a fellow celebrity.
The inclusion of these four figures highlights the growing recognition of visual artists and architects as cultural influencers on a global stage. Mickalene Thomas's placement in the "innovator" category, rather than "artist," underscores how contemporary artists are increasingly valued for their cross-disciplinary impact. The celebrity testimonials—from collector Alicia Keys to photographer Annie Leibovitz—demonstrate how the art world intersects with entertainment, fashion, and broader popular culture, amplifying the reach of these artists beyond traditional art audiences.