John Yau: "Hyperallergic gives me the freedom to write"

May 17, 2023

In 2012, after 25 years of writing for art magazines, nonprofit journals, and online publications, I was on the verge of quitting when I met with Hyperallergic’s editor in chief Hrag Vartanian and asked him a lot of questions.

Could I be critical? Could I write about any artist I want? Could I write about an artist who was not having a show? Could I write about a dead artist that no one has ever heard of? Could I write about an artist that did not have gallery representation?

In each case, he said yes, and convinced me to give Hyperallergic a try. That was more than 10 years ago. And to this day I cannot think of another art world publication where reviews are not tied to advertisements or auctions in which artists donate work.

From unprecedented reports on art world corruption and protests at the Museum of Modern Art and Standing Rock to its April Fools’ Day issues, Hyperallergic covers more ground than any other magazine. Every writer brings something to the table.

I know that I could not have written what I have here for other publications. The freedom I have experienced is the dream of every writer.

That is why I am inviting readers to support this publication today by joining as a member.

– John Yau

John Yau has published books of poetry, fiction, and criticism. In 1999, he started Black Square Editions, a small press devoted to poetry, fiction, translation, and criticism. He was the Arts Editor for the Brooklyn Rail (2007–2011) before he began writing regularly for Hyperallergic. He is a Professor of Critical Studies at Mason Gross School of the Arts (Rutgers University).

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