Unveiling the Art-Driven Lives of Power Critics: Jerry Saltz and Roberta Smith

Jerry Saltz and Roberta Smith, notable New York art critics who are featured in the documentary film “House of Criticism” continue to make waves in the world of art criticism. This married couple's lives intensely revolve around art, turning their unique passion into a compelling narrative worth exploring.

Throughout the documentary, occasional hints of comic elements surface, offering viewers a lighter feeling amidst the intense atmosphere surrounding the world of art. However, it remains a contemplative and emotional portrayal of two writers that are acclaimed and esteemed in their field.

Smith, the co-chief art critic of the New York Times, and Saltz, the art critic of New York magazine, are celebrated writers who have managed to maintain their powerful influence in the dwindling sea of legacy critics. The story of their daily involvement with art becomes a testament to a unique culture of passionate intellectuals in New York that is slowly fading.

In the documentary, Saltz mesmerizes audiences with his interpretative views on Picasso’s influential work at the Museum of Modern Art. Together, Saltz and Smith lead an exemplary life founded on their shared love for art. Encouraging each other in their writing process, they transform potential rivalry into a harmonious partnership.

Their stable relationship is tied to Saltz's perceived superiority of Smith as a critic, which in turn maintains the equilibrium in their marriage. Smith’s criticism style is universally acclaimed while Saltz, a Pulitzer Prize winner, exhibits an equally high level of brilliance in his critic.

Saltz and Smith's bond extends beyond personal romance, offering an insight into a dynamically intellectual partnership united by a shared passion for art. Both critics reject the norms of social life and extravagance often associated with their status, preferring a more secluded and art-focused lifestyle. Their unconventional lives raise the curtain to another realm, commonly described as “the house that criticism built.”

Despite missing the chance to delve deeper into the politics surrounding the New York art world, the documentary takes an introspective turn when exploring why the couple never had children. Both critics own up to their personal struggles and weaknesses, offering an honest portrayal of their controversial life.

As we observe the journey of Saltz and Smith, we are left with a rich portrayal of two individuals, who despite their journeying through personal trauma, found solace and meaning through art and their relationship. They are embodiments of an era where criticism went beyond judgment, delving deeper into exploration and experience. Their story is a testament to the power of love for art, and for each other.