Judd Tully: A Career Chronicling the International Art Market
For nearly four decades, Judd Tully has served as a primary observer and chronicler of the global art trade. From the underground press of California to the high-stakes auction houses of New York, Tully's career mirrors the explosive growth of the contemporary art market. As a journalist, critic, and filmmaker, he has documented the transition of art from a niche interest to a global financial spectacle.
Tully's journey began in the early 1970s. Born in Chicago and educated at American University in Washington and the University of Oregon in Eugene, he first honed his writing skills for underground newspapers in Berkeley, California. Upon moving to Manhattan, he began writing for the SoHo Weekly News, a contemporary of the Village Voice, and contributed to publications such as Flash Art and Arts during the 1980s.
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The Evolution of the Art Market
Tully began covering the New York market for The Washington Post in the mid-1980s, a pivotal era when the industry began its steep ascent. During this period, he witnessed a shift in how art was sold and perceived. He notes that while auction houses were gaining massive publicity—highlighted by the sale of Van Gogh paintings for $40 million—galleries began launching art fairs (specialized exhibitions where galleries gather to sell work) as a strategic counterweight to the "auction spectacle."
The market's acceleration was further fueled by the arrival of Japanese buyers, which drew significant media attention and drove totals higher. Tully recalls a time when the entire total for a Christie's Contemporary Art sale might be only $12 million—a stark contrast to the multi-million dollar prices now often fetched by a single painting.
Professional Trajectory and Roles
Over the years, Tully transitioned from a freelance stringer for the style section of The Washington Post to a prominent editorial figure. He served as the Editor-at-Large for Blouin Art + Auction magazine and Blouin ARTINFO. His expertise has made him a frequent commentator for major networks, appearing on MSNBC to discuss historic art sales and on CNBC's American Greed to analyze the "Art of the Steal."
Beyond journalism, Tully has expanded into curation and philanthropy, serving as the Chairman of the Reuben Kadish Art Foundation.
Expanding into Film and Documentary
In recent years, Tully has applied his deep knowledge of the art world to cinema. He co-directed the documentary The Melt Goes on Forever: The Art & Times of David Hammons alongside Harold Crooks. The film provides a granular portrayal of David Hammons, one of the most significant living African American artists, despite the artist's own absence from the film. The documentary was featured in the 2022 International Competition at the Sheffield DocFest.
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Key Facts
- Born: April 13, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois.
- Education: BA from American University (1969) and studies at University of Oregon.
- Key Publications: The Washington Post, Blouin Art + Auction, ARTNews, and The New Art Examiner.
- Specialization: International art markets, auctions, and art fairs.
- Film Work: Co-director of The Melt Goes on Forever: The Art & Times of David Hammons.
- Leadership: Chairman of the Reuben Kadish Art Foundation.
| Role/Medium | Key Affiliations/Works | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism | The Washington Post, Blouin ARTINFO | Market trends, auctions, and art criticism |
| Editorial | Blouin Art + Auction | Editor-at-Large |
| Film | The Melt Goes on Forever | Documentary on David Hammons |
| Philanthropy | Reuben Kadish Art Foundation | Foundation Chairmanship |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Judd Tully start his career in writing?
Tully began his writing career in the early 1970s contributing to underground newspapers in Berkeley, California, before moving to New York to write for the SoHo Weekly News and other art publications.
What market trends did Tully observe in the 1980s?
He observed the rise of auction houses as media spectacles, the emergence of art fairs as a response from galleries, and a surge in market totals driven by Japanese buyers.
What is Tully's connection to David Hammons?
Tully co-directed the documentary The Melt Goes on Forever: The Art & Times of David Hammons, which explores the life and work of the renowned African American artist.
Which major news organizations has Judd Tully worked with?
Tully has been a freelance writer for The Washington Post and has appeared as an expert guest on MSNBC and CNBC.
What is the Reuben Kadish Art Foundation?
It is an art foundation where Judd Tully serves as the Chairman.