Artists Pay Tribute to Adrian Searle: The Guardian's Beloved Chief Art Critic
In a heartfelt outpouring of admiration, prominent artists have come together to celebrate Adrian Searle, the outgoing chief art critic of the Guardian. Known for his empathetic and insightful writing, Searle has left an indelible mark on the art world over his three-decade career.
A Legacy of Open-Hearted Criticism
Chris Ofili, the renowned painter, recalls first meeting Searle during his student days at Chelsea School of Art in the late 1980s. "Adrian looks and writes with an open heart and understands that, at its best, art is evidence of love," Ofili reflects. This sentiment echoes throughout the tributes, highlighting Searle's unique ability to translate the creative process into words that resonate deeply with artists.
Isaac Julien, the acclaimed filmmaker and artist, notes Searle's transition from painter to critic, describing his writing as "cosmopolitan in outlook, shaped by his life across different countries, yet always grounded, perceptive and often wonderfully witty." Julien emphasizes that Searle's approach brought artworks to life rather than placing them under cold inspection, a rarity in British art journalism.
Personal Anecdotes and Unforgettable Moments
Jane and Louise Wilson share a charming story from 1993, when Searle cheerfully waded through a lake to see a Robert Gober exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery. Years later, he discreetly helped dispose of a sick bag after a journey with Jane's travel-sick son. "A small, generous gesture, but one that said everything about him," they remark.
Rachel Whiteread, the Turner Prize-winning sculptor, recalls Searle's passion for fishing and his deep understanding of her seminal work House. She fondly remembers a chance encounter in a strip bar where a pole dancer recognized her, a moment Searle would have appreciated for its surreal humor. "Adrian is very smart, but he wrote from the heart. And that's why I've always loved what he's done," Whiteread adds.
The Critic as Artist and Friend
Mark Wallinger highlights Searle's background as an artist and teacher, which informed his criticism. In his Confessions of an Art Critic from 2020, Searle revealed a tattoo by David Shrigley reading WRITING, symbolizing both a calling and a complaint. Wallinger notes, "His writing is filled with insights. That he trained as a painter gave him a sympathy and understanding of the act of making and its difficulties – rare among critics now."
Heather Phillipson shares a humorous anecdote from a Suffolk countryside trip, where Searle allowed her rescue collie to hump him in the garden. "This is absolutely in keeping with how Adrian meets art, and the world: munificently," she observes. Phillipson also reveals that Searle and his partner edit each other's texts by reading them aloud in falsetto, adding a playful touch to his serious craft.
Influence on the Art World
Tacita Dean credits Searle with bringing seriousness to contemporary art in the British press, particularly during the rise of Young British Art. "I believe Adrian became that person for art in newspaper journalism in the UK," she states, comparing him to film critic Pauline Kael. His writing helped contextualize and legitimize art movements, earning the trust of artists.
Vlatka Horvat recounts how a single paragraph in Searle's review of the 2024 Venice Biennale significantly increased visitor numbers to her Croatian Pavilion. "Adrian was single-handedly responsible for significantly increasing our visitor numbers," she jokes, underscoring his profound impact on artists' careers.
A Farewell to a Cherished Voice
As Searle moves on from the Guardian, artists express both gratitude and nostalgia. Ed Atkins recalls meeting Searle after a press preview at Tate Britain, where Searle spent five hours in his show, leaving with a grin. "To know that Adrian had met it with such generous, corresponding consideration meant the world to me," Atkins says.
Thomas Demand praises Searle's ability to provide insight into an artist's own efforts, calling it "a rare gift in criticism." Meanwhile, Wolfgang Tillmans appreciates Searle's acknowledgment of his pro-EU poster campaign during the Brexit referendum, noting it was touching to be publicly recognized.
In a final tribute, Eyal Weizman of Forensic Architecture simply states, "Thanks for your grumpy intolerance when such was needed. It may have helped straighten the arc of art which otherwise bends towards bullshit." This blend of humor and respect encapsulates the widespread affection for Adrian Searle, a critic who will be deeply missed but whose legacy endures.
