[Steady Reign]

As technology advances, the Internet has become integrated into our daily lives with printed material becoming less and less relevant. With everything being online, there isn’t a need to pick up a magazine when you can easily check a webpage; however there are a few exceptions. One of my favorite publications for its visual aesthetics, insightful articles, and contemporary photography, Theme is a quarterly magazine with emphasis on Asian culture, predominately the many facets of art.

With every issue comes a new theme, hence the title of the magazine: Theme. Topics have been the following: daily innovations, consumer consumption, travel, fashion, expressive words, and many more. A quick list of past issues and themes can be found here. Each given topic is explored with substance while adhering to a minimal conciseness that initially attracted me to this magazine.

Each issue also comes a new set of authors. With a pool of free-lanced writers, Theme magazine is able to achieve its monthly “theme” with diverse outlooks to every topic. Each author is extremely talented with skills usually in the many areas of art such as photography, design, and obviously literature.

Article on designer: Tobias Wong

Travel: Hong Kong

One of the first things that caught my eye about this magazine was the way it was visually presented. With the deft ability to create a perfect balance between its literature and pictures, Theme creates articles with great content complemented with striking visuals. White space is used very appropriately, as there is a consistency amongst each feature yet still upholding uniqueness. The product section is a great example of this:

Products

Products

Why would I read a magazine when I can find the material online? Theme understands the dying art of printed material, which is why they provide exclusive material that is only printed in their magazine. Tapping into their vast network, Theme is able to provide special features and material that may not be out to the general public for a period of time. Their cultured articles, insight, and recommendations is another reason to pick up this magazine for those who enjoy similar subjects.

Winter 2008 Issue: 12

Winter 2009 Issue: 17

Special features include interviews with artists such as Li Wei, Norio Matsumoto, Ji Yong Ho, Tobias Wong, to Streetwear designer Brknhome.

Li Wei is a contemporary artist from Beijing that specializing in gravity-defying pictures.

Norio Matsumoto is a Japanese photographer that spends months on end in Alaska just to get that perfect image

Ji Yong Ho is an artist that utilized man-made products, rubbers, which is a product of the white sap from latex tress, to construct naturally conceived animals.

Tobias Wong is a designer that uses unconventional means to convey his messages, usually a socially rebellious one.

A Vancouver based brand, Brknhome , is a renowned Streetwear brand that has collaborated with the major players of the industry.

Be on the lookout for a more in depth coverage of each artist!

Theme has a very limited distribution and only sold a selected bookstores, magazine stands, and boutiques. Bulldog news in the University district is an awesome newsstand that carries just about everything, including Theme. I believe major bookstores such as Barnes and Noble, Tower records, and Borders carry this magazine as. If they do not, I am sure you can request a special order through them. Theme has a subscription service and it’s probably the best way to go, which is what I have, because its very hard to guess when the next issue will come out. Theme magazine is a great magazine that I enjoy reading and look forward to each and every quarter.

Please note that most pictures can be clicked on to view a larger image
Photography accredited to Kimbo T.
Other pictures are accredited to Theme Magazine and to the corresponding artists.

This post is tagged Art, Asian, Brknhome, Bulldog news, Fashion, Ji Yong Ho, Li Wei, Magazine, Norio Matsumoto, Photography, Theme, Theme Magazine, Tobias Wong