South African designer and Radar Alumni, Thebe Magugu, launched the first issue of his annual zine, Faculty Press. Ambitious in its scope, the debut does not disappoint in its mission to “[capture] key moments, ideas and thoughts from the emerging voices that engage with and move our cultural landscape forward by using their respective mediums and fields to show the face of contemporary South Africa.”

 

Words: Tshiamo Seape

 

Photography: Aart Verrips

Thebe Magugu, who has gone to great lengths to create  a publication worthy of the immense , young talent who reside within our borders has assembled some a noteworthy collection of artists whose imagery has brought Faculty Press to life with such stunning beauty. Principle among these talents are FAKA, the performance art duo-cum-pop culture icons, who serve as muse and covers stars. Throughout the zine’s 150 pages you’ll see a celebration of local talent spearheaded by emerging and established artists like Travys Owen, Anthony Bila, Aart Verrips, Kent Andreasen and Lady Skollie.

Photography: Kent Andeasen

However disparate the talents featured within the pages of Faculty Press may be, the golden thread tying it all together is the theme of “African Studies”. The theme – also shared by the the Thebe Magugu brand – seeks to “critically explore what and authentic South African looks like.” Giving minimal direction, the featured artists were allowed to explore the theme through gender, sexuality, fashion and youth culture to great effect; reaffirming the continent’s status as a global creative powerhouse.

photography: Reatile Moalusi

Faculty Press launches in London in the Reading Room at Somerset House on the 11.02.19, coinciding with our exhibition at the International Fashion Showcase in Room G18 (also at Somerset House) from the 11.02.19 – 25.02.19 during London Fashion Week.

 

To pre-order the first small run of Faculty Press: African Studies (2019), please mail info@facultypress.org

 

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