December 1981 Issue, Featuring 'The Radiant Child' by Rene Ricard

This December 1981 issue of Artforum is one of the most significant art publications of the 20th century, featuring the landmark essay "The Radiant Child" by Rene Ricard. The essay examined the burgeoning East Village gallery scene of the early 1980s and posed the question, “What is it that makes something look like art?” Today, it is widely regarded as a seminal text in contemporary art criticism.

"The Radiant Child" is credited with helping launch the careers of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, providing early critical recognition of their innovative approaches to painting and public art. This issue offers a rare glimpse into the cultural and artistic landscape of downtown New York during a transformative period in modern art history.