Kult Magazine is one of the publications focuses on arts, designs, and creative stuff we currently love. Not only because of its amazing and inspiring contents, but also because it reminds us of Ego Magazine, our very own free publication that we publish regularly a couple of years ago. Kult and Ego are both free magazine that share the same spirit. Too bad we had to close down Ego for some reason. Hopefully everyone at Kult3D, the creative agency behind Kult Magazine, would keep it going and going. Read our short and fun interview with good friends at Kult3D, below.
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Kult is a magazine. Kult is an art gallery. Kult is some awesome quirky lowbrow artworks. what is Kult, actually? And who are the people behind it?
Kult seeks to cultivate the Asian art and street culture scene by uncovering artists from across the region and giving them opportunities for global exposure. At the same time, we also aim to make art and design accessible and relatable to a wide audience. We do this through our free quarterly magazine, our gallery that sells affordable art and our range of merchandise. The people behind Kult are Steve Lawler, Tanya Wilson and V Natarajan.
Which came first, the magazine, or the gallery? Please tell us a little history behind Kult.
The first issue of Kult magazine, with the theme ‘TRUST’ was launched in 2009. Kult magazine was and continues to be self-funded by the commercial work that Kult does as a design & creative agency. Kult Gallery opened last year as Singapore’s first and only gallery selling affordable contemporary graphic and street art.
Why did you decide to make a free magazine? And why free?
We wanted the work and the artists to be accessible to a wide audience, including people who do not consider themselves typical ‘art lovers’. And distributing it for free in over 100 carefully chosen locations achieves that.
What are you trying to communicate through the magazine?
Four times a year Kult dissects a theme using the universal language of images. Themes are chosen to be relevant and meaningful across countries and cultures.
In each issue, a cross-section of over 50 global designers, illustrators, photographers and artists draws you into a visual conversation, prompting you to look at the everyday in new ways.
We took the themed approach to demonstrate that creativity can address even the most serious global issues such as AIDS, depression in young people, animal extinction and deterioration of our planet.
There are very few words in Kult magazine as artists use images to communicate their perspective. As a result, Kult crosses linguistic and cultural boundaries.
What was the arts & designs scene like back in the day when Kult magazine first launched? and how much has it changed in the years since?
There are more and more students studying design, more opportunities, more interest and more support for the local art and design scene, so it is moving forward in a positive direction.
Has the design scene changed the way you wanted it to be?
We are very supportive of the local scene and delighted to see more and more independently organized events, art shows, exhibitions, zines etc.
Ever thought about driving the local trends through the magazine? if yes, where would you drive it to?
Kult magazine aims to be timeless, so we don’t focus on trends that are constantly evolving. However we are constantly uncovering local creatives and giving them opportunities to truly express themselves and demonstrate their ability through work that gives them total creative freedom.
Who curates the gallery, and how do you decide what’s in and what’s not?
The team at Kult is constantly on the look out for new and interesting artists, from across the world. The whole team can suggest ideas for shows, and work on curating the show and marketing it.
Is Kult into streetwear?
We have developed a street-wear label inspired by the ‘Unbreakable’ issue #10 of the magazine that stands for resilience and perseverance. Check it out at http://www.unbreakable.com.sg/.
What do you think of streetwear scene in singapore?
The street-wear scene is growing and more and more people are into it.
How about street art? how do you see street art in singapore, and or indonesia?
Singapore has strict laws against street art so it isn’t very common but there are more and more independent events that invite street arts to customize murals, so the desire and appreciation is there.
We are fans of the Indonesian street art scene and have worked with a number of street artists from there.
Is art and design still fun?
Of course, it’s fun when you make it that way and allow for creative freedom.
Any big plans for 2014?
We have plans to launch our magazine and label in other South East Asian countries, to continue hosting a line-up of shows and exhibitions at the gallery and to release a new series of limited edition apparel.
How is average day like at Kult office?
No two days at Kult office are alike. For example, today we are working on our upcoming exhibition ‘Chinatown Vinyl Squad’ – we do everything in-house from curation, to set-up and marketing and PR. We are also working on some projects for clients such as WWF and the upcoming Earth Hour, the next issue of Kult magazine.
Thank you very much for your time, and for the inspiring answers, guys! Cheers from Bandung!
