Christopher Knight retired as art critic at the Los Angeles Times at the end of 2025, marking the departure of the last of three major U.S. critics of the postmodern era. Roberta Smith retired from The New York Times in 2024, and Peter Schjeldahl died in 2022. The article reflects on the dwindling number of full-time art critic positions, from an estimated 30 in 2008 to fewer than 10 by 2013, with the trend pointing toward zero. The author, a freelance critic, recounts the accidental path many critics take, the challenges of freelance work, and the value of consistent local criticism, using the example of William Wilson at the Los Angeles Times.
This matters because the disappearance of full-time art critics threatens the depth and diversity of art journalism. The article highlights how critics like Wilson, despite flaws, provided sustained coverage of local art scenes, creating a historical record that is now invaluable. The loss of these positions means fewer voices documenting exhibitions and performances, especially those outside mainstream attention. The piece also underscores the limitations of past criticism, such as Wilson's failure to cover Black-owned galleries, and raises questions about what perspectives will be missing as the field contracts further.