MOTHER magazine is an independent fashion and culture magazine launched in 2012 by London-based photographer Kate Friend. Its cutting-edge visual expression and fundamental themes are evident in its coverage. Its main focus is Japanese art and culture. It features original stories by Japanese photographers such as Yuriko Takagi and Hanayo, as well as avant-garde Japanese photography from the likes of masters Ikko Narahara and Takuma Nakahira to the up-and-coming Yu Yamauchi, and architecture by Kenzo Tange and Tadao Ando. This consistently reflects the magazine's aesthetic sense and deep interest in Japanese culture. The third issue, "EROS/THANATOS (Life and Death)," was released on May 28th, and editor-in-chief Kate visited Japan. We spoke to Friend about the background to the magazine's creation and her reasons for focusing on Japanese culture.
--First, please tell us about the contents of the latest issue.
Each issue has a theme and the editorial content is tailored to that theme. This time, we've featured EROS/THANATOS, the impulses toward life and death that seem contradictory yet are actually close. I'm personally interested in this, and it's the consciousness behind many of the decisions I've made recently. For example, when I'm driving a car at high speed, to the casual observer it may seem like I'm heading toward death, but my consciousness is awakened and I feel a sense of fulfillment and tranquility in life. I interviewed people who are sensitive and aware of this instinct.
The issue includes works from the 1970s by photographer Takuma Nakahira, a fashion photo story shot by Hanayo of model Lila Fukushima, features Shinya Kimura, who runs the charismatic custom bike brand Chabo Engineering in California, an art performance by Dumb Type, and an interview with UNDERCOVER designer Jun Takahashi. ――The first issue was titled "GENESIS" and the second "TRANSCENDENCE." How do you decide on the theme for each issue?
When I think of a feature, I think about what I'm feeling. Each theme reflects the current social and economic situation, as well as my own inner self. I'm careful to choose abstract themes and avoid those that evoke clear images. I don't choose overused concepts like "punk" or "romantic." This allows the participating creators to express themselves more freely.
--Please tell us why you started a magazine.
The reason was that existing media had become too commercial, and there wasn't a medium I wanted to work with. I wanted to create a platform that was commercial, yet creative and experimental. There's a thriving independent media movement in London. Photographer Nick Knight's online fashion platform SHOW studio is one example. However, I was determined to stick with the print medium of a magazine. Only 1,000 copies of MOTHER are printed. We are particular about the quality of the product, including the printing and paper quality, and design it as a beautiful object. I believe that the more rare the material paper becomes, the more attractive and decadent printed matter becomes.
--There aren't many ad pages. Are you not proactive about advertising?
No, in fact I see it as a platform that can also be used as an advertising medium. I think fashion brands are looking for new advertising methods that aren't overly commercial. Rather than brand advertising, MOTHER is exploring the use of advertorials, with fashion brands sponsoring the editorial pages.
Continued on 2/2.
