Remembering Calvin Tomkins: A Tribute to an Iconic Art Writer

Remembering Calvin Tomkins: A Tribute to an Iconic Art Writer

Calvin Tomkins, a prominent figure in the art world, passed away on March 20 at the age of 100. Throughout his illustrious six-decade career at the New Yorker, Tomkins wrote profiles of numerous artists, shedding light on their work and contributions to the art world. His profiles included renowned artists such as Marcel Duchamp, Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Tomkins' writing played a significant role in bringing avant-garde artists to the forefront of American culture, moving them from the obscure galleries of downtown New York City to a more prominent position in the art world.