It’s overwhelming to look at the current state-of-play. There is so much happening, from technology and the environment to politics and society. What is happening to our notions of culture and identity? It’s a time of unprecedented change, something I can’t distance myself from because everything is interrelated. Sometimes, I feel like we need to get a reality check, but the ways in which communication and humanity are evolving (for the good or the bad) are worth understanding. We also need to talk about plastic (although when delivered by post this magazine comes poly-wrapped, it’s in oxy-biodegradable plastic). The statistics are staggering. We must all cut back, even though that means choosing less convenient options.
This issue pays homage to the power of the individual, promoting and demonstrating the idea that there is still hope. We aren’t, in reality, becoming a conveyer belt of human beings; the one thing that makes us special is our ability to continually create and innovate. London-based fashion company Unmade is tackling mass production and fast fashion by offering consumers the chance to create bespoke items through digital customisation. Similarly, Emre Yunus Uzun is using organic materials to construct beautiful objects that resist the idea of disposable furnishings. His foray into the design world also highlights the resurgence of “making” and how we need to support new and emerging artisans. Along the same lines – but at the other end of the spectrum – we look at how water can enhance architectural projects. Although the budgets are steep, there is a growing interest in how natural and manmade environments can co-exist.
In photography, we re-assess the nuance of structures with George Byrne, Yener Torun and Sallie Harrison. Anastasia Cazabon, much in the tradition of Cig Harvey, looks at the details of everyday objects and how they define who we are. Our cover photographer Vikram Kushwah works between fine art and fashion photography, leaving images that are both beautiful and conceptually rewarding. Finally, in Last Words, we speak with David Drake about 40 years of the Ffotogallery in Cardiff. Enjoy!