Hasta La Ideas

A free quarterly newspaper on contemporary art

In a world of diminishing print publications and—even more rare—free ones, The Art Street Journal is an inspiring example of how it can still be done. The latest issue, Volume II: Issue IV, features Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara and at 36 pages is its biggest edition yet since launching in August 2009. Other highlights include a pull-out poster by Slinkachu, a visit to Simon Haas’ studio and a review of John Baldessari’s recent show at the Met.

Helmed by editor Elisa Carmichael, who runs the Carmichael Gallery in Los Angeles with her husband Seth, the full-color newsprint magazine’s most recent number boasts a distribution base of 30,000 copies spread among individual subscribers, museums, galleries, cafes and boutiques in 150 countries.

While some of the artists featured are indeed part of their gallery’s roster, the Journal extends its scope to include artists the founders believe its target audience of art collectors should pay more attention to or consider investing in—some of whom are artists the Carmichaels personally admire.
Each issue’s table of contents lists art show reviews sent in by volunteer writers, plus Q&As with artists, but interestingly the spotlight isn’t just on them. Galleries, auctions and art fairs make up the publication’s coverage too. In its regular section Backstage, The Art Street Journal makes a concerted effort to cover those, as well to provide a more rounded overview of the street and contemporary art world.

Sign up for a free subscription to the quarterly magazine here.