NEW YORK, February 13, 2026 — Artforum is bracing for a leadership shift, as editor in chief Tina Rivers Ryan will step down, with Rachel Wetzler and Daniel Wenger set to co-lead the influential art magazine.
A New Chapter for the ‘Art World Bible’
The announcement sent ripples through the art community, signaling a potential evolution for the publication.
- Tina Rivers Ryan, who served as editor in chief for two years, is departing Artforum.
- Rachel Wetzler, currently the magazine’s executive editor, and Daniel Wenger, an artist and former contributor to The New Yorker and Harper’s, will become co-editors.
- The move follows Ryan’s efforts to stabilize the magazine after the departure of her predecessor, David Velasco.
- The art world is anticipating how Wetzler and Wenger will shape the future of the publication.
The news, which broke on Wednesday, wasn’t entirely unexpected, though the timing came as a surprise. Ryan is credited with steadying Artforum after a period of transition following David Velasco’s exit. Wetzler and Wenger are widely regarded as excellent choices to guide the magazine into its next era, possessing both deep respect for the publication and a clear vision for its future.
Chelsea Gallery Scene Heats Up
The shift at Artforum coincided with a flurry of activity in Chelsea, as major galleries unveiled their first major shows of the year. Gagosian is presenting an intricately installed exhibition by Michael Heizer, an immersive experience best appreciated in person. Matthew Marks opened three simultaneous shows on Thursday night: works by Anne Truitt, Ron Nagle, and a three-person exhibit titled “Plein Air.” Hauser & Wirth is dedicating its space entirely to Felix Gonzalez-Torres’s Untitled (Go-Go Dancing Platform).
Meanwhile, uptown, MoMA PS1 is preparing to host another edition of Greater New York, a decennial event that aims to capture the pulse of the five boroughs’ art scene. The artist roster has been released, and one inclusion stands out: the late Jay Carrier, who passed away last year and whose work was a highlight of a show at 47 Canal in January 2025.
Downtown Delights and Gala Season
The New Museum is adding a new dimension to the downtown Manhattan art experience with a restaurant accessible through Freeman’s Alley. The project is a collaboration between Oberon Group’s Henry Rich and chef Julia Sherman, promising a dining experience infused with artistic collaborations.
The art world’s social calendar was also in full swing, with the RxART Gala honoring Glori Cohen and Mickalene Thomas. RxART commissions artists to create works for hospitals worldwide. Further afield, the Norton Museum of Art Gala in Palm Beach drew attention, offering a glimpse into the unique atmosphere of the Florida social scene.
