Letter No. 02 | Richard Vine
Richard Vine is a writer, editor, teacher, and curator whose career has profoundly shaped the art world. For decades, he has worked at the intersections of criticism, literature, and curatorial practice, always carrying art across borders and opening new spaces for dialogue. His presence in the Bisheh archive is both a continuation of this lifelong work and a reminder that the letter—as a slower, more personal form—has always been central to how art is remembered and understood.
As former managing editor of Art in America, Richard helped guide one of the most influential voices in contemporary art discourse. His editorial work traced the emergence of movements, illuminated hidden narratives, and challenged readers to see art not simply as an object of consumption, but as a living field of inquiry. His perspective has been expansive, rigorous, and attuned to the nuances of culture—attentive not only to celebrated artists and institutions but also to those working at the margins, whose voices reshape the field from its edges.
Richard’s career is also marked by his writing beyond the magazine page. He is the author of several books, including New China, New Art (2008), a landmark study of contemporary Chinese art, and the novel SoHo Sins (2016), which weaves together fiction, criticism, and an intimate understanding of New York’s cultural fabric. These works reveal the breadth of his approach: critical yet imaginative, rooted in history yet open to the experimental. Whether in fiction, nonfiction, or essays, his writing reflects a belief that art is not confined—it expands, travels, asks questions, and builds bridges between people and places.
Teaching and mentoring have also been central to his practice. Richard has shared his insights with students and young professionals, demonstrating that criticism is not just about authority but about nurturing dialogue. His presence in classrooms, at conferences, and in international forums has extended his impact across generations and geographies. From New York to Shanghai, from literature to curating, he has embodied an ethic of openness, rigor, and care.
What makes Richard’s contribution to Bisheh especially meaningful is this combination of influence and humility. He brings with him decades of experience, yet his voice remains one that invites reflection rather than closure. His letter enters the archive not as a fixed statement but as part of a living dialogue, one that continues to grow with each new voice added.
It is an honor to welcome Richard Vine as the second participant in the Bisheh Project. His letter stands as both testimony and invitation: a reminder that the art world is not only shaped by exhibitions, markets, or institutions, but also by the quieter acts of writing, remembering, and exchanging words with one another.
Learn more about Richard’s work here: www.richardvinenyc.com
Soho Sins - 2016
