SWIM — Issue 02

posted by Amber Weaver August 16, 2018

SWIM is a London-based annual art and photography publication that strives to challenge conventional magazine formats through its design and structure. This week we’re excited to cover its second issue in print with its upcoming launch happening on the 30th August at Hannah Barry Gallery, Peckham.

Issue 02 of SWIM celebrates all the work that gets lost during an artist’s creative process. Think of all the screwed up pieces of paper, the scribbled out drawings and ideas that ended up in the bin. SWIM references all the unfinished paintings, forgotten photographs and drafts that didn’t make the cut or rough ideas from the sketchbook — they’ve showcased it all and shared the story behind it.

An interesting aspect of the magazine is the theme, nearly every aspect of the magazine follows the theme of abandoned work. The typefaces are all unused and unseen, with many only reaching a stage of half completion – either missing the upper or lower case. The cover, comprised of spreads within the magazine and by displaying the interior on the exterior, what is unseen becomes seen, both literally and figuratively.

Featured inside (and outside) this lovely piece of print is work from artists such as Sean Vegezzi, Frederike Helwig, Monty Kaplan, George Rouy, Tishk Barzanji and many more. This issue has given them a chance to revisit failed projects, rediscover lost work, and breathe new life into old ideas.