Various artists and figures related to arts, like Faith Ringgold and Nan Goldin, were named in the Times Most Influential People list for 2022.
The Times Most Influential People lists 100 people who had the most impact on the world in that year. The list, which is segregated into various categories, is usually dominated by politicians and entertainment celebs. However, many names related to the art world found a space in this year’s list.
Famed artist Faith Ringgold was recognized as a creative force and visionary on the list. Thelma Golden (Director/Curator, Studio Museum) wrote about her: “Faith’s path has been courageous, profound, and unflinching in its depiction of contemporary society.” The 91-year old artist continues to feature prominently in exhibitions and retrospectives around the world. Last year, she was featured in two retrospectives – Serpentine Galleries, London and a survey at New Museum, New York.
Photographer Nan Goldin, who made news for her activism against the Sackler family’s donations to museums, was named as a pioneer by Times. For many years, Goldin and her group P.A.I.N. have been urging museums to stop taking donations from the Sackler Family. One of the most influential art philanthropists in the world, the Sacklers also own Purdue Pharma, which is alleged to worsen the opioid crisis in the country.
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Architect Francis Kéré, who became the first Black person to win the Pritzker Architectural Prize in 2022, was named on the list. Also included was architect Maya Lin, who was behind the 2021 Ghost Forest installation at Madison Square Park.
