RyeGPT People of Note: Art Writer, Editor, and Curator Thomas Baer Hess

RyeGPT People of Note is a series highlighting individuals who have a connection to the City of Rye. In the series we ask OpenAI’s ChatGPT to prepare a biography and explain the individual’s connection to Rye.

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Today, meet art writer, editor, and curator Thomas Baer Hess.

Thomas Baer Hess (December 13, 1920 – July 13, 1978) was a renowned American art writer, editor, and curator whose keen eye and insightful commentary significantly influenced the mid-20th century art world. Known for his long tenure at ARTnews and his championing of Abstract Expressionism, Hess was a prominent voice in the New York art scene. He also had strong ties to Rye, New York, where his family roots and personal connections were deeply embedded.

Early Life and Education

Thomas B. Hess was born in New York City to a family of affluence and cultural prominence. His father, Alfred Hess, was a successful businessman and art collector, fostering Thomas’s early exposure to the arts. The family maintained a residence in Rye, New York, where Thomas spent much of his childhood and formative years.

Hess attended Phillips Exeter Academy and later graduated from Yale University in 1942. After serving in World War II, he returned to New York and quickly immersed himself in the burgeoning post-war art world.

Career at ARTnews

Hess joined ARTnews in 1946 and became its editor-in-chief in 1949, a position he held until 1972. Under his leadership, the magazine became one of the most influential art publications of its time. Hess was particularly noted for his passionate advocacy of Abstract Expressionist artists, including Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Barnett Newman.

Through his incisive writing and editorial direction, Hess helped to solidify Abstract Expressionism as a dominant movement in modern art. He also sought to make contemporary art accessible to a wider audience, combining scholarly analysis with an engaging, often personal tone.

Curatorial Work

In addition to his editorial accomplishments, Hess was an accomplished curator. He organized major exhibitions for prominent institutions, including a landmark Willem de Kooning retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in 1968. His curatorial work was distinguished by his deep understanding of the artists’ techniques, philosophies, and personal histories, making his exhibitions both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant.

Connection to Rye, New York

Rye, New York, played a significant role in Thomas Hess’s life. His family maintained a residence in the area, which became a retreat and a source of inspiration. The picturesque landscapes and serene environment of Rye were reflective of Hess’s cultivated yet grounded persona.

Legacy

Thomas B. Hess passed away on July 13, 1978, at the age of 57, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important art critics and curators of the 20th century. His writings and exhibitions remain touchstones for understanding Abstract Expressionism and mid-century modern art. Hess’s influence extended beyond the gallery and the page, as he was instrumental in fostering a deeper appreciation for contemporary art in America.