The prestigious Rabkin Prizes for Visual Arts Journalism has revealed this year’s esteemed winners, recognizing excellence in the field of art writing. Among the honorees is Maximilíano Durón, the senior editor of ARTnews, known for his outstanding contributions to contemporary art reporting, particularly focusing on artists of color and the LGBTQ+ community.
The Rabkin Prize, established in 2017 by the Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation, aims to celebrate and support the invaluable work of art journalists across the United States. Each recipient is awarded a generous sum of $50,000, acknowledging their exceptional dedication and impact on the world of art.
Maximilíano Durón, a notable queer Chicanx journalist and critic, has been an integral part of ARTnews since April 2014. His insightful reporting on art fairs, films, and artists has captivated readers, shining a spotlight on underrepresented voices within the art world. Having grown up on the Eastside of Los Angeles, Durón brings a unique perspective and passion to his work. He holds degrees in journalism and art history from New York University and actively supports Critical Minded, an initiative dedicated to promoting cultural critics of color.
The Rabkin Prize also announced a significant change in its leadership, with executive director Susan C. Larsen announcing her retirement this fall. Larsen, an Arts and Culture Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 2017, and a seasoned art and architecture critic for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for over 18 years, has been instrumental in shaping the foundation’s vision. Her impactful contributions will undoubtedly be remembered as the organization transitions into a new phase.
Stepping into the role of executive director is journalist and filmmaker Mary Louise Schumacher, who brings her own expertise and vision to the foundation. With this new leadership, the Rabkin Prize is poised to continue its mission of uplifting art writers and enriching the discourse surrounding visual arts.
The Rabkin Prize is a testament to the enduring legacy of artist Leo Rabkin and his wife Dorothea, who cultivated a vibrant community of artists, writers, and curators in and beyond New York City. Leo Rabkin’s commitment to the arts and his avid interest in the work of art journalists even in his later years exemplifies the spirit of the prize.
This year’s impressive lineup of winners also includes Erin Joyce for Arizona, Eileen G’Sell in St. Louis, Jori Finkel in Los Angeles, Harmony Holiday in Los Angeles, Annette LePique in Chicago, Darla Migan in New York, Jillian Steinhauer in New York, and San Francisco’s own Rebecca Solnit, renowned author of “Men Explain Things to Me” and other influential books.
The Rabkin Prize continues to make a profound impact on the art journalism landscape, having already awarded $3.25 million to 62 exceptional art writers over the years. With the addition of fresh voices like Maximilíano Durón and the seasoned expertise of Mary Louise Schumacher, the future of art journalism appears vibrant and promising. Congratulations to all the deserving winners of the 2023 Rabkin Prizes for their remarkable contri butions to the world of visual arts journalism.