Document Journal Dives into the Shifting Landscape of Modern Identity in its Fall/Winter 2023 Issue
Document Journal has unveiled its Fall/Winter 2023 issue, delving deep into the complex realm of contemporary identity. The publication raises thought-provoking questions about the multiplicity of selves, self-determination, ancestral connections, and the balance between shared attributes and individuality.
Editor-in-Chief Nick Vogelson reflects on the evolving landscape of identity, remarking on the expanding list of labels and markers available to individuals, spanning gender, sexuality, philosophy, and spirituality. He notes how these shifts in self-identification have reshaped our understanding of the concept of identity.
The issue takes readers on a global journey, from Octo Octa’s sonic sanctuary in New Hampshire to the North African coast, where Laurence Ellis captures the lives and dreams of queer migrants on society’s fringes. It explores Colma, California, a city where the deceased outnumber the living, and the reflective adventures of activist Cherokee Jack in Mono Lake’s desert oasis. Generational perspectives are also examined, with Joan Jonas reflecting on her extensive career and Juergen Teller and Dovile Drizyte reimagining iconic works alongside their baby, Iggy.
The magazine presents a range of viewpoints on the theme of identity, including McKenzie Wark’s exploration of self-simulation and the proposal of a new Pride flag crafted from clear plastic. Constance Debré grapples with the constraints on personal freedoms in the name of security or love.
Creative and Fashion Director Sarah Richardson assembles a captivating array of designs, collaborating with stylists such as Robbie Spencer, Venetia Scott, and Camille Nickerson, along with image-makers like Larissa Hoffman, Thue Nørgaard, and James Brodribb. These artists challenge conventional notions of objects and their significance, questioning whether items like motocross helmets, spilling fruit, or a car shrouded in a tarp can reveal as much about individuals as traditional portraits.
The cover series, featuring 12 unique covers, pairs luminaries such as Jodie Foster with photographs by Paul Sepuya and Barry Keoghan with self-portraits by performance artist Martine Gutierrez. Leading writers and thinkers contribute their insights on the evolving nature of personhood in today’s ever-changing world.
Architect Sumayya Vally emphasizes the importance of acknowledging diverse cultural perspectives on identity, emphasizing that identities are not static or innate but rather fluid and adaptable. The notion of identity, whether individual, communal, or regional, has undergone a profound transformation, becoming a more malleable and ever-evolving concept.
