In a surprising turn of events, David Velasco, the editor-in-chief of renowned art magazine Artforum, has been fired following the publication of an open letter calling for a cease-fire in the Middle East conflict. The letter, signed by thousands of artists, expressed support for Palestinian liberation and urged an end to civilian casualties, immediate cessation of violence, provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and condemnation of human rights violations.

Velasco, who had been with Artforum for 18 years and served as editor-in-chief for six, expressed his disappointment at the magazine's decision. In a statement to the New York Times, he said, "I have no regrets. I'm disappointed that a magazine that has always stood for freedom of speech and the voices of artists has bent to outside pressure. I have done nothing but exceptional work at the magazine for 18 years, and this is a sad day. It breaks my heart."

According to The Intercept, Velasco was summoned to a meeting with Jay Penske, the head of Penske Media, Artforum's parent company, on October 26. By the end of the day, Velasco had been relieved of his duties. That evening, the magazine's publishers, Danielle McConnell and Kate Koza, issued a note in response to the open letter, stating that its publication had not followed Artforum's editorial process. They highlighted the lack of necessary context and clarified that the letter had originated from outside the magazine.

The Intercept also reported that criticism of the open letter had emerged from gallerists, dealers, and influential figures within the art community. Collector Michael Eisenberg, who owns significant artwork from some of the signatories, actively expressed his discontent. Artists such as Peter Doig, Joan Jonas, Katharina Grosse, and Tomás Saraceno were among those whose signatures were later removed from the letter after pressure from Eisenberg. The letter was also criticized for initially omitting mention of the October 7 attacks by Hamas against Israel, which claimed the lives of 1,400 people. However, a subsequent addition on October 23 addressed this omission and reiterated a rejection of violence against any civilians.

The open letter, signed by Velasco alongside prominent artists and critics including Nan Goldin, Laura Poitras, Barbara Kruger, Judith Butler, and Saidiya Hartman, emphasized the importance of creating safe and humane spaces for artistic expression that transcend borders and beliefs. It called on the arts community, comprising artists, writers, curators, filmmakers, publishers, and workers, to ensure the preservation of these spaces.

The firing of David Velasco and the subsequent controversy surrounding the open letter have sparked significant discussions within the art world. Many now question the freedom of expression and the extent to which external pressures should influence editorial decisions in art magazines. As the fallout continues, the future direction of Artforum remains uncertain.