182

DeWoody also happens to be one of the most important collectors of contemporary art in the world, a fact that has made her extremely important to artists and galleries alike. People collect contemporary art for a myriad of reasons. At its heart, collecting is a way of expressing identity. Contemporary art reflects the world as it exists now—its social tensions, cultural shifts, and new ways of thinking—and collectors are often drawn to works that resonate with their own experiences or values. Living with such art allows individuals to surround themselves with ideas that feel relevant and meaningful.

Another important motivation is intellectual and emotional engagement. Contemporary art frequently challenges expectations and resists simple interpretation. Collectors value this sense of dialogue, finding pleasure in works that provoke questions, spark conversation, or invite ongoing reflection. The art becomes something to think with, not just something to look at.

Collecting contemporary art also offers a chance to participate in culture as it is being made. Supporting living artists can feel deeply rewarding, as collectors help sustain creative practices and contribute to a wider cultural ecosystem. This involvement often fosters a sense of connection—to artists, galleries, and communities that share an interest in creativity and experimentation.

While financial value may play a role, passion is usually the driving force. Ultimately, people collect contemporary art because it enriches daily life, bringing thought, emotion, and relevance into everyday spaces.

Enjoy the issue!

Since the inception of New American Paintings, we have worked almost exclusively with museum curators to select the artists featured in the publication. The few exceptions have been art dealer Ivan Karp, art critic Jerry Saltz, artist Amy Sherald, and philanthropist and art collector Beth Rudin DeWoody. This issue marks our second collaboration with Beth, whose influence and commitment to contemporary art have made her one of the most important collectors of contemporary art over multiple decades.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Beth for a number of years and, in the art dealer sphere of my life, we have worked together on numerous occasions. I have met very few people who are as passionate and knowledgeable about contemporary art. Beth has an insatiable appetite for looking, learning, and acquiring—qualities that have placed her at the apex of international collectors and made her collection one of the most significant repositories of contemporary art in the world. If you are a gallerist, you want to work with Beth; if you are an artist, you want your work in her collection. It is that simple.

In making decisions for this issue of New American Paintings, Beth considered the work of hundreds of artists. Her final selections are diverse and offer a strong overview of many of the prevailing trends shaping the landscape of contemporary painting. Given the volume of visual information Beth absorbs, I was amused—but not surprised—to discover that a number of the applicants were already on her…