Born in Fargo, North Dakota, Peter Schjeldahl established himself as a central voice in American art criticism through his contributions to major publications including The Village Voice, ARTnews, and The New York Times. Before his career in criticism, he was recognized as a poet associated with the New York School.

Schjeldahl was widely regarded for his accessible, subjective, and deeply personal approach to writing about visual art. His work often bridged the gap between academic discourse and the lived experience of viewing art, focusing on the emotional and aesthetic impact of paintings and exhibitions.

Throughout his career, he served as a definitive observer of the contemporary art scene, particularly in New York. His writing remains a significant reference point for understanding the evolution of American art criticism in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.