Riot Material has been the long-running Literary-Art project from artist C von Hassett, who acted in the role of its Publisher/Editor-in-Chief. Under the working title of Riot Material Magazine, the publication had, per its original description, its “eye on art, word and forward-aiming thought.” In other words, it saw and spoke to Art across genres through its myriad incarnations and articulations.
As a singular expression in and of itself, Riot Material is an expansive work of ideational Art, and upon its closure it should now be viewed primarily in this way. Being Art, and from the perspective of Art, Riot Material remains a living entity borne of breathing ideas.
Yet the platform likewise birthed itself from the desire to deepen in a scene — much as would the photographer who moves through and memorably captures those cherished if not iconic moments from a beloved underground club. Thus has been our coverage of the thriving Art scene here in Los Angeles, and to a lesser extent its sister scenes in New York City, London and beyond.
This vital interaction with a community of Artists, along with that essential critical response to their work, was made all the more relevant — and was richly enlivened — through the diverse lenses of Hassett’s many collaborators on the Riot Material project, the names of whom can be found throughout the magazine’s nearly-1500 published posts.
There is, though, a special gratitude for a core group of writers who regularly and so wonderfully contributed to the magazine, and it is these individuals in particular who gave Riot Material its uniquely characteristic voice. Hassett’s co-conspiriting bride, poet Rachel Reid Wilkie, is at the top of this list. There is the supernal Henry Cherry, Eve Wood, John Biscello, Arabella Hutter von Arx, Nancy Kay Turner, Ellen C. Caldwell, Allyn A. Aumand, Amadour, Phoebe Hoban, Johanna Drucker, Jill Conner, Lorraine Heitzman, Seren Sensei, Kristy Puchko, and Alci Rengifo — each of whom write from a place of direct personal presence not only in relation to the works they are responding to but to the very words and ways of addressing their subject as the ideas unwind and weave themselves into a presentable, finished piece. As an editor — and as a lifelong lover of art, music and literary criticism — it’s been an incredible pleasure working with, and becoming friends with, each one of these exceptional men and women who so regularly steep themselves in wellsprings of Word.
While a hearty thanks goes out to every single writer who contributed to this project over the seven years it was in thoughtful, communal existence. Thank you to each and every one of you!
With so much love and respect to you all, writers and readers alike.
C von
2016 -2023
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