Nork 5
Delivered to Stack subscribers in
Oct 2020
Nork is made in Tromsø in Norway, presenting a view of the world as seen from high above the Arctic Circle. Themed ‘The Holy Cosmos’, the issue blends fiction with reality to create a fantastical tone that runs through the pages. Nork picked up Best Use of Illustration at last year’s Stack Awards, and the imagery in this issue is essential to the dreamy, slightly trippy aesthetic — from the elemental, quasi-religious formations on the front and inside covers through to Finnish artist Anton Pitkänen’s mixed media creations, and Mylo Mark’s fragmented collages.
This issue is themed ‘The Holy Cosmos’, and the mystical note extends to the written material. The reportage feels tentative; in several places writers confess to unfamiliarity with their subject, and they seem keen to emphasise that they are not experts, preferring to identify themselves as interested amateurs, motivated by excitement rather than journalistic rigour. This rejection of professionalism combined with its artistic flights of fancy makes Nork feel like it is created by a collective; a group of artists and writers who come together at the top of the world to produce this big, thick, annual print publication.
Name
Agnese Zīle
Job title
Founder and Editor-in-Chief.
What is Nork?
A bold and fun art magazine created far up in the North.
What makes it different to the rest?
The Arctic vibe.
Who makes Nork?
Behind Nork stands a small, but very creative team that consists of me, art team BOBO in Paradise and editor Caroline Krager. Besides that, we have been lucky to work with the most talented artists, illustrators and writers from all over the world.
Who reads it?
Stack subscribers! And others, who I’d love to hear from.
Why do you work in magazines?
By accident. My creative urge has led me in this direction. I never imagined that I would have my own publication, but boredom and a need for self-realisation when living in the North inspired me to make Nork. And I love doing it!
Aside from the print magazine, what else are you involved in?
I am a co-manager at my mom’s upcycled fashion brand ZĪLE.
What would you change about Nork if you could?
Make it more noticeable. I would love it if more funding institutions in Norway could appreciate the value of this project and would support it more. So far it has not been so good.
Where do you see Nork in five years?
I see a grown-up who still likes to play.
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