SlavaBlazer Photography

About this Author

Charles Desmarais continues a long career in the visual arts as the Chronicle’s Art Critic. Since coming to San Francisco in 2011 as President of the San Francisco Art Institute, he’s been deeply engaged in the Bay Area scene. Prior to his move here, he was Deputy Director for Art at the Brooklyn Museum from 2004 to 2011, where he oversaw 10 curatorial departments, as well as the museum’s education, exhibitions, conservation and library activities.

As a museum director, Desmarais has served at the Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati (1995-2004); the Laguna Art Museum (1988-1994); and the California Museum of Photography at the University of California, Riverside (1981-1988).

His extensive experience as an art writer and critic includes articles and essays in Afterimage, American Art, Art in America, California magazine, Exposure, Grand Street, and elsewhere. He authored a regular column, “On Art,” for the Riverside Press-Enterprise from 1987 to 1988.