October (journal)

October is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to contemporary art, theory, photography, film, performance, and cultural studies. It was founded in 1976 by Rosalind Krauss and Annette Michelson. The journal is known for its rigorous theoretical approach, often drawing from post-structuralist, psychoanalytic, and Marxist thought.

October's significance lies in its role in shaping critical discourse around modern and contemporary art. It played a pivotal part in introducing and developing theoretical perspectives influential in art history and criticism, including the work of Jacques Lacan, Michel Foucault, and Walter Benjamin. The journal has also been influential in the development of feminist art history and criticism.

Published quarterly by MIT Press, October has consistently provided a platform for innovative and challenging scholarship. Its contributors include leading scholars, artists, and critics. The journal's impact extends beyond the academic sphere, influencing curatorial practices and artistic production. While maintaining a consistent commitment to theoretical rigor, October continues to engage with contemporary issues and debates within the art world and broader cultural landscape.