interview

French painter Théo Viardin’s works imagine a world where the only certainty is physical proximity between human bodies. Such a liminal space enables a reflection of the narratives and discourses that led there, and perhaps even how our contemporary life requires radically new imaginations and the questioning of certainties.

“A kiss still feels different from the inside of an oyster.” Robert Brambora's multidisciplinary works aim to infiltrate our minds with disembodied sensory experiences, questioning of the nature of relationships, and squishy feelings of titillating unease, as he uncovers in the interview below.

In reframing the industry’s superficial narratives of representation, Paris-based fashion designer Mehmet creates politically charged garments to reframe the contemporary image of migrant peoples. “We all claim for diversity, equality, and integrity, but just few people question the roots, and I wanted to be relevant in a time of ultra-passiveness.” Dive into her muses, inspirations and creative process in today’s article.

“[In Georgia,] there are as many contributing factors as hindering circumstances.” In an exclusive interview, fashion designer Aleksandre Akhalkatsishvili uncovers how Georgian sartorial customs influence his clean-cut, sombre arrangements and silhouettes, how does he employ the deconstructivist practice in his creative process, and talks about the feral femme energy he is drawn to.

“Love is a biological weapon that bodies make to survive extinction and evolution.” 3D creator Lolita 111000, the first Spanish artist to be represented by a digital avatar, breathes life into trans-species creatures that reflect her deep adoration of non-human animals. Her work is inspired by posthumanism, biology, and friends. Enjoy an interview drenched in 'chaotic good' energy.

In the atmospheres of Jimmy Beauquesne’s artworks, there reside fantasies of the natural world, celebrities, and entities beyond language or reason. Let the French artist’s words and images in today’s interview mesmerize you into a dreamy sense of longing.

Oskar Zięta introduces the glossy, otherworldly apparitions made of polished steel coagulating to life in the family-run Zieta studio. These mirrors/objects with bionic silhouettes are made to resemble glimpses of the natural world in which they are often put on display, nearly merging.

Rahel Süßkind, also creating under the alias Chrissy Fahrenbruch, mirrors in her singular illustrations “the world as she sees it”. These cutesy, vivid visions include bipedal animal hybrids such as Snooh, a friendly green character kneaded into existence from no other substance than… phlegm. Enjoy a slightly oozy interview with the author.

“The current ideal is to conform and control, be part of a system or dominating force... you’re only relevant if you look a certain way.” In unbraiding the ropes learned through socialization, London-based multidisciplinary artist Rhiannon Davies’ collections weave inspirations spanning Celtic mythology, Fleetwood Mac and equestrian fashion to explore the contemporary notion of perfection.

“Many microbiologists argue that we should start thinking of humans as microbial ecosystems or multispecies collectives.” Charlie Spies’ Gutopia animations playfully and intimately explore the dividual on the backdrop of a late capitalist society still riddled with archaic stereotypes and rigid knowledge-creation processes.

In a free-wheeling interview, Belarus-born mixed-media and 3D artist Volcia Porakh afforded us a little glimpse into her world, that took us all the way to summer-sun coloured childhood memories smelling of playfulness, wide-eyed discoveries, old Disney comics, and warm, melted plasticine.

Aposematism in animals – bright, patterned colouration – exists to warn off predators. But colour plays a vastly different, nearly opposite role in the collections by Slovak fashion designer Dominika Kozáková. Playful, crustacean- or bunny-like elements emerge in elaborate and soft headwear, which invites us to hug and snuggle. Interview with the designer follows below.

ZSIGMOND is a sustainable menswear brand from Hungary with a palpable connection to heritage, soil and traditional garment-making, which reflects also in the brand's sustainability efforts. The collections feature remade pieces that are recycled, reversible, sometimes crafted of century old collected folklore textiles or dyed with plant and fruit pigments. ZSIGMOND's founder Dora kindly let us into her world via an in-depth interview.

The thick hair hiding the personalities in Erik Sandberg’s paintings may not be opaque at all, the growth speaking and representing volumes of its own. This exploration of our oft-derided animal nature reminds us that even in a sterilized and epilated world, body hair and fur have an allure of their own.

The political edge of Sample’s recent fashion collection points at the industry’s ossified binary structures and practices. Last year’s release saw a turning point in the designers’ approach, turning this time to a radical representation of what sports clothes can mean in the anthropocene, and today’s article goes in-depth to their motivations.

Where others see demonic human-animal hybrids, illustrator Anna Dietzel sees creatures just doing their thing, vibing and simply existiing. Get to know her world of black backgrounds, slithering bodies, fangs and unsettling smiles in an interview for SWARM Mag.

The eclectic 3D compositions of Laurent Allard breathe movement into a visual genre traditionally depicting the static. By employing digital tools, the artist creates a sense of fluidity in the materials, bordering on the grotesque and naive.

Austrian fashion designer Maximilian Rittler is not one to shy away from boldness. From the candid editorials, we get a whiff of the backstage of the golden era of glam rock, hairspray, glitter, velur, and all. In the interview, he talks the magic of creation, the power of music, and Antwerp's bustling culture scene.

Anna Ruth’s love for nature shows in her every brushstroke. The Prague-based artist and musician conjures sensual and yet mysterious images, which never lose their touch with playfulness and a gentle joy. In today’s interview, you will learn about her relationship to the living world and its representation in her art.

When encountering the works of Austrian illustrator Lony Mathis, the first look reveals the squishy cuteness of inflatable toys and the second one some lurking, vaguely disturbing details. In an exclusive interview, she talks the destructive powers of perfectionism, favourite aesthetics, and dogs' unconditional love.