Individualized as each of us might be, don't we sometimes crave to be part of a larger whole? A collective that shares common characteristics, attitudes, and interests as those of our own? In this (post-)covid limbo, we felt the need to reflect on this idea of an imagined community across continents, weaved through empathy.
On that note, GUP presents you with two exclusive interviews. One is with Mous Lamrabat who elaborates on his mixed identity background and how it manifests itself in his colourful works full of cultural references. The other one showcases the yet unpublished project of Bharat Sikka, who focuses on Indian upper middle-class youth, providing a unique and tender insight into his culture. Inside you can also find two portfolios where one features the work of American photographer Arielle Bobb-Willis and FRESH EYES 2019 talent Jan Philipzen - both a mix of their personal and commissioned works. We close off the main section by highlighting the oeuvre of James Barnor, a 93-year-old Ghanaian photography icon who still continues to be active in the field.
The brand new element of this magazine is OTHER SIDE - a collaboration with our fellow Amsterdam partners Patta and MTG. Together, we bring you the latest news in fashion, culture, photography, and sports from the tulip metropolis. On this special occasion, we provide you with an interview with Edson and Tim Sabajo, the crucial figures behind the Patta projects. By way of an in-depth conversation, they share their thoughts on the brand and upcoming projects. Additionally, we feature a portfolio of Yamandú Roos who apart from working closely with Patta for years, is also documenting the surroundings and people he meets during his travels. Another documentary photographer that is often teaming up with Patta is Stacii Samidin who we interviewed to explore their collab with Clarks and his personal project Societies. Last but not least is a detailed article about the hip-hop jewelry culture that is celebrated in one of TASCHEN's books Ice Cold.
As literary critic Rudolf Steiner once proclaimed, “a healthy social life is found only when, in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when, in the whole community, the virtue of each one is living”. Through this issue, we invite you to learn about the different communities that we feature, to take the time to contemplate and immerse yourself into these one-of-a-kind worlds all in one place, right here.
-The Editorial Team