The much-anticipated end-of-year list has arrived: the 2025 edition of the 20 Most Powerless People in the Art World.
This list acknowledges the courage and tenacity of individuals and groups existing on the fringes of established power structures. It serves as our yearly response to the superficial lists dominated by affluent collectors, royalty, and self-proclaimed influencers that saturate art market media. As is our tradition, we’ve infused some entries with humor and satire, both vital tools of defiance.
Since the inception of this publication, the Powerless 20 has been one of the distinctive features that sets Hyperallergic apart in the art world. We invite you to support our efforts by becoming a paid member; every contribution significantly impacts our work. Wishing you joyful holidays!
This year’s list includes undocumented artists, the Smithsonian, the security system at the Louvre, and the brand identity of the Philadelphia Art Museum.
As we look ahead, we hope for a future where power is more equitably distributed among many, rather than concentrated in the hands of a few.
