On Wednesday, Artforum announced that editor-in-chief Tina Rivers Ryan will step down from her role at the end of February. She will be replaced by the publication’s executive editor, Rachel Wetzler, and editor Daniel Wenger, who will now serve as co-editors. (The editor-in-chief title will no longer be used.)
Ryan, a curator, critic, and specialist in digital art, joined the publication in 2024, after serving as a curator at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum for seven years. She also spent time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a curatorial research assistant in the modern and contemporary art department.
Wetzler previously served as a senior editor at Art in America, before joining Artforum with the same title in January 2024. She was promoted to executive editor last year. Wenger, meanwhile, has spent time at the New Yorker, Medium, and Harper’s.
“It’s been an immense honor to work alongside my colleagues at Artforum over the last two years,” Ryan said in a statement. “While I’ve contributed to the magazine for many years, having the opportunity to witness the care and effort that goes into everything they do has deepened my appreciation for the team, and I will continue rooting for their future success.”
“Tina has led with dedication, professionalism, and tireless energy,” publisher Danielle McConnell said in a statement. “A dynamic ambassador and transformative editor richly contributing to diverse initiatives across print, digital, and live events, Tina has also led a gifted editorial team who will define Artforum’s next chapter. We are deeply grateful for her visionary leadership, which has positioned Artforum for continued growth and innovation.”
Ryan was brought in to stabilize the magazine. Months earlier, editor-in-chief David Velasco was fired after Artforum published a letter that called for a ceasefire in Gaza and Palestinian liberation.The firing set off a wave of resignations from staff members and an extended boycott from contributors that also targeted ARTnews and Art in America. All three publications are owned by Penske Media Corporation.
