The article introduces the annual 'Icons' issue of Art in America, profiling artists whose decades-long practices reflect deep commitment to their mediums. Featured artists include Paul Pfeiffer, who became hyper-aware of image grammar through early video work; Consuelo Jimenez Underwood, who found her voice in textiles; David Diao, who references Barnett Newman; and the late Joel Shapiro, who explored transformation through wood sculpture. The issue also includes an interview with Tehching Hsieh on freethinking and art, plus departments on curatorial challenges, a Bukhara Biennial curator Q&A, and an appreciation of Dara Birnbaum.
This issue matters because it celebrates artists who have shaped contemporary art through singular, medium-driven practices, offering insights into their creative processes and philosophies. By profiling figures like Pfeiffer, Jimenez Underwood, Diao, Shapiro, and Hsieh, the article underscores the diversity of artistic approaches and the enduring relevance of material exploration and conceptual rigor in the visual arts. It also highlights the role of art in addressing larger philosophical and political questions, making it a significant contribution to art discourse.