Portraits Reinvented
Rolling waves, handheld mirrors and animated paintstrokes. These images are seemingly simplistic yet awash with sensory and visual information.
The number of times I have said 鈥渨e are living in uncertain times鈥 is adding up. From the deep political crisis of Brexit and the rise of the right-wing Populism to the displacement of refugees and migrants, as well as the alarming rate of environmental destruction 鈥 we鈥檙e in a turbulent state. What can we do as individuals to ameliorate the situation? The saying 鈥渢hink locally, act globally鈥 was coined 40 years ago. Even Dr. Seuss was talking about environmentalism in the early 1970s with The Lorax. I even remember my first Earth Day in the 1990s. It鈥檚 so easy to get consumed by mass media. It leaves a constant feeling of powerlessness. However, it鈥檚 important to think about the things you can achieve everyday. When was the last time you helped a stranger? It鈥檚 worthwhile thinking about that.聽This issue tackles subjects such as race and power through the Shirin Neshat exhibition at The Broad in Los Angeles. In a time where national identity is being used as a tool to galvanise the right, and increased racism has been occurring, it鈥檚 never been more relevant for this retrospective. As the Founding Director of The Broad has said, Neshat 鈥済ives voice to outsiders and exiles who have left their countries in the wake of political conflict.鈥 We also look at Antwaun Sargent’s The New Black Vanguard, which celebrates black fashion photographers such as Tyler Mitchell, Micaiah Carter, Arielle Bobb-Willis, Nadine Ijewere and Namsa Leuba. It also includes non-western image-makers such as South African artist Jamal Nxedlana and Nigerian creatives Daniel Obasi and Stephen Tayo. This publication asks: why was it only in 2018 that the first black photographer shot the cover of American Vogue?聽Also inside this edition are works from the following photographers and designers: Greg White, Benedict Adu, Six N. Five, Daniel Forero, Linda McPhee, Roderick Vos and Laura Perrucci & De Santis Matteo. This issue of Aesthetica is about celebrating the diversity of the world around us and rejecting the divisions that are being brought about by certain global leaders. We must stand together.
Rolling waves, handheld mirrors and animated paintstrokes. These images are seemingly simplistic yet awash with sensory and visual information.
Los Angeles-based director, photographer and designer Jimmy Marble returns with a publication of colourful images from effervescent worlds.
The work of Judith Chafee established a sense of stewardship with the land. Her buildings continue to inspire in an age of climate emergency.
Antwaun Sargent’s bold publication addresses a history of exclusion, provoking dialogues about representation, sexuality, gender and identity.
Six N. Five’s Co-Existe series is a collaborative project fuelled by a shared love of finding tranquil moments in an otherwise chaotic world.
Immaculate green lawns. Clean white stripes. Blanket blue skies. Benedict Adu’s images are a concoction of creativity and dynamic energy.
A new series and collaborative project highlights the effects of the anthropocene, a geological age defined by humanity’s impact on the planet.
For Linda McPhee, composition is crucial 鈥 through her images she explores the place where light, form and colour combine to elevate the commonplace.
Wrapping cord around silk, inserting pins into fruit and elevating the status of quail eggs, Daniel Forero’s set designs are taut, balanced and, at times, comedic.
There鈥檚 a Hopper-like sense of mystery to Roderick Vos’ work; paper planes fly through portal-like windows; mist descends onto a dinner table.
Greg White’s featured images present the icy territories of Arjeplog, Sweden, ruminating around frosted car grills, intricate branches and driveways.