In July of 1992, Guy and Judith Cross (Wolf) published the very first issue of THE Magazine. In their opening letter in Vol. I, No. I, they wrote, “Santa Fe is acknowledged as one of the art centers of the world. Perhaps it’s time for our city to turn around, look at itself, re-evaluate its role in the arts, and take on the responsibility of being an art center, with not only serious intent, but with courage, intelligence, and humor.” Over the last twenty-five years, THE Magazine provided creative, critical writing in pursuit of these goals. To date, THE has published over 250 issues including over 200 artist profiles, over 1,200 critical reviews, and thousands of articles in between.
While honoring these significant contributions on THE‘s 25th anniversary, this issue also marks a leap forward as we launch a new website that will both serve as a digital platform for THE‘s content and as a connective hub that brings creatives together with culture consumers for New Mexico and its visitors. The site will launch at a public celebration held at form & concept on July 8, 5-8 pm. Please join us for the launch and to celebrate a new age of THE!
This issue came together around themes of situating ourselves at this pivotal moment in space and time, finding Santa Fe to be ever the crossroads: Jordan Eddy’s feature article “The Rolling Clock” traces the physical expansion of SITE Santa Fe and the evolution of that institution in a world now chock-full of biennials. Taking stock of another enduring legacy that hits close to home (see Dwan Light Sanctuary or Star Axis near Las Vegas, NM), Diane Armitage gives us insight into “The Radical Eyes of Virginia Dwan,” and Dwan’s impact as a patron and gallerist.
This issue encompasses Rafa Esparza’s installation in adobe at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York (“Review: Figure/Ground: Beyond the White Field” by Alicia Inez Guzmán), as well as the vibrant world of contemporary folk arts that will arrive at Santa Fe’s door later this month (“Future Folk: Innovation at IFAM,” and “Blue Depths” by guest contributor Keith Recker). Kathryn M Davis catches up with founding publisher Guy Cross, who has been keeping busy with a new book project, Holy Misery. Artist Nicola López, born and raised in Santa Fe, now lives in New York making work and teaching at Columbia University, but we were able to meet her for this issue’s Studio Visit during her recent residency at Tamarind Institute in Albuquerque.
Larry Bob Phillips‘s illustration Cholla is the last of his three illustrations in the Printed Page series, and we are excited to announce a spinoff from the Printed Page: THE Print Series. Beginning with an illustration by Luke Dorman to debut at our July 8 event, THE will now release quarterly limited edition fine art prints by each of the artists participating in this series with the goal of supporting local and regional artists.
Thank you, as ever, for reading, and see you on July 8!
Lauren Tresp
Editor
editor@southwestcontemporary.com
THE Magazine
320 Aztec St, Ste A
Santa Fe, NM 87501
