Loose is a zine dedicated to making it up as you go along
- Text by Niall Flynn
- Photography by Gorsad Kiev
Loose is an art and photography that celebrates the noble art of winging it. When it comes to volume three, the brainchild of Joe Goicoechea, Charlie Warcup and Sam Hamer remains as naughty as ever: the new issue sees them (in their own words) exploring “dicks, tits and everything in between”.
That means collating submissions from an eclectic range of photographers, painters, illustrators and sculptors, all of whom were responding to the same criteria. “The brief was one word: ‘Loose’,” explain the founders, speaking collectively. “It has always been and will always be the brief for these group zines.”
Their third issue, which launches with a party at London’s 71a Gallery on 4 April, features work from the likes of Cole Flynn Quirke, Nadz Banaag, Eva Zimmer and Anna Breit. The subject matter, meanwhile, ranges from weed to Jeremy Corbyn (as well as plenty of the aforementioned nudity).
Sam Phillips
“There isn’t a grand intellectual theme or link running through this zine or the ones that have preceded it. It’s always been as simple as finding stuff we love and printing it.”
“We don’t really have any criteria for the artists we work with. We feel like the broader we make things, the bigger the mix of work we’ll end up with. Naturally we gravitate to certain aesthetics but in general it’s good to keep an open mind with these things.”
James Springall
Making things up as they go along is central to the Loose idea – when it comes to plans for the future, they’re taking things one project at a time. Having recently published a selection of photo and fanzines, next on the list is to host a few exhibitions. “Let’s see what happens – and if it doesn’t, fuck it,” they say, with trademark irreverence.
“A wise man once said, life’s for living and living is for life.”
Adam Connett
Zhamak Fullad
Ollie Murphy
Mike Spears
London Vagabond
Eva Zimmer
Cameron Hoerth
Anna Breit
Loose’s Issue Three launch party takes place on 4 April, 2019 at London’s 71a Gallery.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
In photos: Black Texas life since emancipation
Kinship & Community — A new photobook and exhibition showcases the rich culture, history and community of African American folks in the Lone Star State, whose existence in the region predates colonial Britain.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Inside Parkuir: the art project queering sport, space and our bodies
Lie and play — Founded by Maria Laudes and Guiu Gimeno, it provides a framework for engaging, subverting, and celebrating the small details that make people unique – and queer.
Written by: Molly Lipson
London’s largest indoor skatepark to be demolished for padel courts
Better Extreme — The Barking skatepark’s fate follows that of similar indoor spaces in recent years, with operators GLL citing falling visitor numbers as the reason behind the decision.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Youthful joy & end-of-era poignancy at a London school prom
Leavers — For several years, Lewis Khan documented young people as they celebrated the last of their school days and the completion of their exams. The series is now collated in a new self-published photobook and short film.
Written by: Zoe Whitfield
Harry Gruyaert’s vintage, kaleidoscopic scenes of New York
A Sense of Place — For 50 years, the Belgian photographer and Magnum Photos member has been capturing NYC’s colourful chaos. A new photobook and exhibition showcase his unique, technicolour view of the city.
Written by: Miss Rosen
In the pit at one of the UK’s last stock car & banger speedways
Stock Car Racing Isn’t Dead — Photographer Liam McCarthy spent time in and around the Arlington Raceway’s circuit, capturing the diehard community that keeps the sport alive.
Written by: Isaac Muk
