Peter Schjeldahl (born May 22 1942) is an American art critic, poet, and essayist. He has written extensively on contemporary visual art for a variety of publications and, since 1997, has served as the chief art critic for The New Yorker. Schjeldahl is also the author of several collections of poetry and of critical essays on art, literature, and culture.
Early life and education
Schjeldahl was born in Fargo, North Dakota. He attended Columbia University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964. While at Columbia, he studied under poets and critics associated with the New York School, an influence that would shape his own poetic and critical style.
Career
Journalism and criticism
- The Village Voice (1972–1992): Schjeldahl began his journalism career writing art criticism for The Village Voice, where his reviews were noted for their lyrical prose and accessible approach to contemporary art.
- The New Yorker (1997–present): In 1997 he joined The New Yorker as its chief art critic. His essays appear regularly, covering a broad range of artistic media including painting, sculpture, performance, and digital art.
Poetry
Schjeldahl has published multiple poetry collections, among them:
- A Thousand Miles of Light (1970)
- Migrations (1976)
His poetry is frequently praised for its formal precision and its dialogue with visual art.
Books of criticism
- The Art of the Possible: Writings on Art, Poetry, and Life (1998) – a selection of his essays from the 1970s through the 1990s.
- The 7th Street (2011) – a compilation of his later criticism, reflecting on the evolving landscape of contemporary art.
Teaching
Schjeldahl has held teaching positions at several institutions, including Columbia University and the School of Visual Arts, where he has lectured on art criticism and contemporary visual culture.
Awards and honors
- Guggenheim Fellowship (1979), awarded for his work in poetry.
- National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism (2016) for The 7th Street.
- Annual Critics' Award from the Association of Art Critics (date unspecified).
Influence and reception
Schjeldahl’s criticism is characterized by a blend of scholarly insight and a poet’s attentiveness to language and sensation. Critics have noted his ability to situate contemporary artworks within broader cultural narratives while maintaining an approachable style for general readers. His contributions have helped shape public discourse around modern and post‑modern art in the United States.
Selected bibliography
Poetry collections
- A Thousand Miles of Light (1970)
- Migrations (1976)
Critical essays
- The Art of the Possible: Writings on Art, Poetry, and Life (1998)
- The 7th Street (2011)
Articles
- Numerous essays and reviews in The New Yorker, The Village Voice, and other periodicals.
Personal life
Schjeldahl resides in New York City. He continues to write regularly for The New Yorker and participates in public discussions, panels, and lectures on contemporary art.