A minimal, laser-cut ivory cover houses the debauchery of political and satirical commentary in this particular issue of Art/Life Magazine. At first the issue seems like a children’s art project, compiled to represent each student at their best. However, closer observation opens the publication to individual analyses of greater conceptual works. Each page acts as a brief, yet calculated, solution to a certain visual problem. Though seemingly quick in nature, the pages encompass an entire shift in contemporary art practice. Contributions are from artists in Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, California, Hawaii, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.
Originating as a conceptual exchange among artists, Art/Life Magazine, was one of the longest continually published artists’ periodicals of the 20th century, presenting a diverse array of art during its 25-year history. Art/Life founder Joe Cardella had asked artists to submit and mail original artworks from all over the world to be compiled into limited edition magazines. As a way to increase accessibility to contemporary art practice, Art/Life documented the lives of the artists, their thoughts, emotions, and creative processes through the transition from industrial to digital art practice. The magazine’s legacy can be seen at MoMa, the Guggenheim, Getty, and LACMA, portraying a global consciousness and collaboration between distanced networks of contemporary artists.
