The magazine's name is Nirvana. It's published twice yearly and features contemporary art and design alongside more experimental visual work that often focuses on themes such as sexuality and gender roles within society. For example, one issue featured an interview with a drag queen who spoke about their experiences navigating queerness through fashion and performance while another explored the relationship between architecture and femininity through photography.
Nirvana also includes poetry and literary content to complement its visual material. This literary inclusion adds depth and variety, appealing to readers who appreciate the written word as a form of sensual expression. One issue included a poem by Emily Dickinson that begins "My life has stood - a loaded gun," which can be interpreted metaphorically as a commentary on sexuality and power dynamics. Another issue featured excerpts from Virginia Woolf's essay "A Room Of One's Own" on women's creative freedom, particularly when it comes to writing. The literary content in Nirvana allows for a deeper exploration of the issues presented in the visual pieces and offers additional layers of meaning and interpretation.
In addition to text-based articles, Nirvana sometimes incorporates erotic poetry or short stories into its pages. These contributions are not afraid to tackle difficult topics such as consent and pleasure in relationships. A recent issue featured a poem by Dorothy Parker called "Love Song" that speaks frankly about desire and intimacy. By including this type of writing, Nirvana demonstrates that sex can be both beautiful and challenging at once.
The magazine frequently collaborates with artists and writers on commissioned work that focuses on themes related to sexuality or gender roles within society. For example, one issue included an interview with Annie Sprinkle about her experience in pornography and activism while another featured an installation by Marilyn Minter titled "God Made My Face." These pieces push boundaries and challenge traditional ideas about what art should look like, making Nirvana stand out among other contemporary magazines dedicated to visual culture.
Nirvana's approach to literature also extends beyond just poetry and short fiction; they publish interviews with authors such as Sarah Schulman discussing queer history and identity through their books. This gives readers insight into how these writers think about sexuality and relationships, offering new perspectives on familiar subjects.
Overall, Nirvana's inclusion of literary content adds complexity and depth to each issue, allowing readers to engage with the material more fully and deeply than they might otherwise. The variety of genres represented shows that there is no one way to talk about sex or gender identity; instead, it provides multiple viewpoints from which to consider these important issues.