Art Criticism Redefined: A Conversation with Zarina Muhammad of The White Pube
Image Courtesy of Maria Gorodeckaya
In this episode of Art & Cocktails, Ekaterina Popova interviews Zarina Muhammad, one-half of The White Pube, a platform that has transformed how we think about art criticism.
The White Pube: Breaking the Mold
Founded in 2015, The White Pube began as a response to traditional art criticism, which often felt inaccessible. Zarina and her collaborator, Gabrielle de la Puente, set out to create a space that was relatable, humorous, and honest. Their platform has since evolved into a powerhouse of weekly reviews, a podcast, and their bold new book, Poor Artists.
About Poor Artists
Zarina shares the unique narrative behind Poor Artists, which blends interviews with artists and surrealist fiction. The book follows a protagonist named Quest on a journey through the art world, exploring themes of success, creativity, and identity. It’s a fresh, imaginative take on what it means to navigate the art world today.
Insights on Criticism and Creativity
In this conversation, Zarina highlights:
The importance of making art criticism accessible and inclusive.
Why criticism can be a generous act, even when it’s not positive.
Practical advice for artists on connecting with critics and presenting their work authentically.
Where to Find Poor Artists
The book is available at Barnes & Noble, Greenlight Bookstore, and on Bookshop.org.
Listen to the Episode
Don’t miss this insightful conversation about redefining art criticism, supporting artists, and finding joy in creative dialogue.
Catch the full episode of Art & Cocktails wherever you listen to podcasts!
Images courtesy of Maria Gorodeckaya
