


A container is at the same time a beautiful sculptural object and a banal
box for shipping things around the world. More often than not we just
see the box. The container has become the symbol of Rotterdam's role as
the largest European port, a place through which goods and things pass
on their way to or from Europe.
It is fitting then that the name of Rotterdam newest box of ideas and
creativity links itself to this long tradition of the good old import
and export. We invite you to have a long, hard look at the box, but make
sure you have a good rummage around inside. You will find over 20 projects
and articles.
This year's Rotterdam Festival sees the launch of Container the new
visual culture bookazine showcasing interesting developments in contemporary
visual culture in a no-nonsense way. Developed by a dynamic team that
includes Lenny Oosterwijk, Pieter Schol (former art director of Rails)
Jan Mol (publisher and creative director of Ad!dictmagazine) and Mama's
own Boris van Berkum. The aim is to develop Container into a regular,
quarterly publication.
The programme of the annual festival ‘The Remarkable World of Witte
de With' and the neighbourhood of De Cool -where all these festivities
take place- are the starting point of Container's content for this, the
zero issue. For example the humorous item about Illustrator Fiep Westendorp,
the subject of an exhibition at Kunsthal, is counterbalanced by a darker
story ‘Bullit' dealing with the facts and the miracles of a shoot-out
that took place in the neighbourhood last year.
Thirty-five artists, photographers, stylists, illustrators, columnists,
journalists were challenged to take on a project for Container.
The direction of the editorial board has been hard-nosed. No place for
compromise; fashion shoots have been re-shot. The unexpected sponsorship
breakthrough of 20 kilos of pork has resulted in the world-premiere of
‘Shoarma Carving'.
Container creates chances for collaboration: The Rotterdam illustrator-collective
"Antistrot" meets its Antwerp Twin on six pages in "Meat
Market".
Interview with artists: Luuk Bode, Erik van Lieshout, Nico Vascalari
Beauty: Seven black girls covered from head to toe in Dr van der Hoogh
facial mask photographed by Willem van Roon.
The true story behind the legendary Rubens, a man who climbed up from
total bankruptcy to being the first artist millionaire.
Container reflects the life in a postindustrial city; raw, stimulating
and without compromises.
Launch:
Issue Zero of Container will be launched on the 12th of September
to coincide with the opening of the Festival of Witte de With.
TENT. At 20:00. The first 100 copies are for free!
After that a special festival introduction-price: 5 euros; in the stores
10euros.
Container is available from Showroom MAMA and in the special Container
kiosk. Look out for the Container situated on the Festival-compound(across
the street of TENT, Witte de Withstraat.)
For more information on distribution: container@addictlab.com
NB:
Part of the piece "lust by francisco van jole" was unfortunately
cut off in the magazine. If you want to read the full piece click
here...
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