Pipilotti Rist's mix of fifties-era kitsch and postmodern self-awareness delivers a savvy commentary on the state of contemporary art.

The work of the best fashion photographers reflects the momentary dreams of the culture around them—but makes a lasting impression.

In the humble still lifes of Chardin -- many painters' favorite painter -- you can find everything you need to know; it's the fleeting moments that matter in Sargent.

A big Met retrospective of his portraits shows that even when the great Richard Avedon traveled to unfamiliar places, he saw his subjects through a New Yorker's eyes.

The Gates may be a minor Christo work, pooh-poohed by the art Establishment. But as event, as spectacle, as public gesture—whoah!

Two shows explore the flickery, lively niche between painting and video art.

An exhibit of Lucian Freud’s recent work includes a couple of masterpieces, and some surprising glimpses of the painter himself.

The Guggenheim’s overview of the big, blaring canvases of James Rosenquist reveals the subtlety amid the spaghetti and mushroom clouds.

Lucas Samaras’s favorite subject is himself—but as the Whitney’s huge retrospective reveals, he sees things you might not expect in a narcissist.