Artists honor Adrian Searle after Guardian exit
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- Adrian Searle ended a three-decade tenure as chief art critic at the Guardian, with artists across generations celebrating his uniquely personal and heartfelt approach to writing about art.
- Chris Ofili recalled Searle as both a teacher and artistic peer from their time at Chelsea School of Art in the late 80s and early 90s, describing his writing as an extension of his own creative practice.
- Isaac Julien highlighted Searle’s immersive, conversational style of criticism, noting his early connection through St Martin’s School of Art and praising his rare ability to enter artworks with openness and intelligence.
- Marlene Dumas shared a personal bond with Searle, noting they were born on the same day, and celebrated his wit, humor, and ability to surprise readers while remaining deeply kind and engaged.
- Jane and Louise Wilson remembered Searle’s quiet generosity, including an instance where he cleaned up after a sick child on a train, calling it emblematic of his empathy and unpretentious nature.
- Mark Wallinger emphasized Searle’s artist’s eye and deep understanding of creative struggle, quoting his self-described writing as both a calling and a complaint, marked by wit, barb, and authority.
- Rachel Whiteread praised Searle for writing from the heart rather than ideology, noting his support for underdog artists like Lucia Nogueira and his genuine camaraderie with creators.
Why it matters: Searle’s departure marks the end of a rare critical voice that artists trusted not just for insight but for emotional resonance. His influence—rooted in lived artistic experience and empathy—leaves a void in mainstream art journalism, where few critics are seen as both rigorous and personally invested in the creative process.
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