The tactile quality of a magazine has always been a clincher for me. Counterpoint winked at me from across the shop, with its grey paper, neutral splash of blue and bolt of pink. It truly is a beautiful thing to behold and simply done, too, which I guess makes it all the more special. Such effortless aesthetic is often very hard to pull off.
A limited edition of 250, Counterpoint imbues ever more attractive and unique details: printing via risograph using recycled paper and soy-based inks. The typography and bespoke illustrations are printed using only neon pink, teal and black.
This time the theme is sleep and it is indeed a relaxing read about the soft and snug world of snooze. To be honest it makes for some good night time reading, with short articles and interviews, and beautiful drawings to gaze at until you get drowsy.
The writing is easily digestible and simply put, but it still packs a punch of powerful journalism without the pomp. I happen upon a quote on the rise of disturbed sleeping having been caused partly by the cultural association between sleeplessness and inner strength, something I had never thought of. Product designer Yesul Jang embarks on the psychological relationship you have with your bed, and Stephen Lepitak attempts to disconnect from technology in search of sleep. It actually has the feel of a condensed but equally well-researched and diverse MacGuffin magazine, albeit very different in size.
Sometimes smaller is better. At only 31 pages long, you are put into a state of calm and therefore more receptive to what you are looking at, without feeling the need to chomp through a thick doorstop of a mag. I take the time to put it down and look up Maria Stoian just to see her ceramics collaboration with Natalie J Wood.
Counterpoint gives room for pause. It provides some thought-provoking journalism, without being overtly showy or laborious. It is a morsel to share and savour, and so good looking it’s impossible to giveaway.
Libby Borton