Michael Fried is an American art historian, critic, and professor known for his influential writings on modern art, particularly in relation to Minimalism and Contemporary Art. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of how art interacts with perception and experience, often focusing on the relationship between the viewer and the artwork. Fried is also recognized for his role in the Artforum magazine, where he published critical essays that shaped discussions around art in the 1960s and beyond. His notable works include "Art and Objecthood," which critiques the nature of art and its presentation in the gallery space.