Palm Beach Residents Reflect on Art Criticism, Ten Years After 'Seeing and Believing'

Palm Beach Residents Reflect on Art Criticism, Ten Years After 'Seeing and Believing'

Palm Beach, FL – April 14, 2026 – Ten years ago, on January 26, 2016, a piece titled "Seeing and Believing" by Peter Schjeldahl appeared in The New Yorker, sparking conversations among art enthusiasts and casual observers alike. While the article itself wasn't directly about Palm Beach, its themes surrounding art criticism and the subjective experience of viewing art have resonated within our local community, particularly among those involved with the Norton Museum of Art, the Society of the Four Arts, and numerous private galleries along the upscale Worth Avenue.

Local art collectors and gallery owners often discuss the role of the critic in shaping public perception and the market. "Schjeldahl's writing always had a way of making you think beyond the canvas," commented a long-time patron of the local art scene, who frequents exhibitions at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. "It wasn't just about what he saw, but how he made you see it differently. That's a conversation we still have here, especially with so many diverse artistic voices in our town, a place long celebrated for its patronage of the arts since the Gilded Age."

The discussion around how art is perceived and valued continues to be a lively one in Palm Beach. With new exhibitions constantly arriving at our local institutions and galleries, residents are regularly engaging with new works and forming their own interpretations, often drawing parallels to the critical perspectives explored in pieces like Schjeldahl's. The enduring relevance of such critical essays highlights the community's deep appreciation for the arts and the ongoing dialogue surrounding its meaning and impact.

For those interested in exploring current art exhibitions and engaging in these discussions, the Norton Museum of Art and the Society of the Four Arts regularly host events and lectures. Information on upcoming exhibits and programs can be found on their respective websites or by visiting their locations in person.