This issue documents a symposium, "Southern Experiment: a critics forum" organized and held by Art Papers. The purpose of this gathering was to reassess the role of criticism, and keep the southeastern region accountable for robust, informed art criticism where there was lack, especially among experimental art forms. Seven critics of national standing were paired with regional critics and institutions to meet, discuss their practices, and reconvene in Atlanta for two days of panel discussions. Among these national critics were Roberta Smith, and Alan Sondheim. Over 250 people from 15 states participated in this event in hopes of finding consensus and clarity in the framing of a public art discussion. Notable reviews include Four Generations of Grand Masters and Assassins of the Letter written by Douglas DeLoach, and Artists and Photographic Installations by Mitchell Kahan. Alan Sondheim reviews John Menapace's book of photographs letter in a Kein bottle and Judith McWillie reviews Robert Farris Thompson's book, Flash of the Spirit on African Philosophy.
