Volume 2 by aesthetikselektor

CONTENTS 4 Greetings. 6 OldJohn. 10 The house they built. 12 Adorn. 22 Segue Costiera. 26 Hope has a name. 29 The Id and the Superego. 33 ignoramus. 44 Fresh Living. 48 A forest trail. 52 Cloth Talk. 54 Paroptic Vision. 56 A rainy day in Jozi. 60 Prosperity. 66 Spoken Consciousness.

71 Cycle. 72 Arsenic 33. 74 An isolated dichotomy. 80 uMalkom noMeri. 86 From a distance. 90 Live streaming the apocalypse.

Greetings From [

], wish you were here.

Feel free to make an omen out of this. You’re at the prelude of something. What it is has yet to be determined, it’s dependent entirely on you. So much has occurred. A week of anarchy not too long ago left many lives in shambles and asking the question, “What now?” It always comes with the same design and the same question. It has for a while. An event occurs which sparks outrage from the masses, it’s prattled about for a while until it fizzles out and everything resets. Disaster in the world is frighteningly commonplace. And yet, despite all this, there’s still more to come. So then think of this, this magazine and the entirety of its contents, as an acknowledgement of the murky tomorrow and whatever it holds in store for you. Don’t look too far for the catalyst, it’s closer than you realise. Sincerely aesthetikselektor

WISH YOU WERE HERE. 5

OldJohn By Mbulelo Mbiphi

“When we win, the whole township wins.”

As a kid who was raised in the township, Oldjohn wasn’t sure he’d make it to where he is now, but there’s still a ways to go. In his own words, “… I don’t know what the future looks like to be honest, I can’t even begin to describe it… We just need to keep putting in the work and equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge… making it wouldn’t be an achievement for us only but an achievement for the lower class township kids as a whole. When we win the whole township wins, that’s how much this means to us and for us.”

Most of the creative fuel stems from his environment. Inspiration comes from random conversations with people at the bodega, watching a woman’s body language when she’s in a store full of men and no other women in sight, the observation of hustlers and drug dealers. According to Oldjohn, the goal is to understand people instead of allowing prejudices to dictate how one views the world.

Born and bred in the dusty township of Khuma, near Klerksdorp in the North West, Mbulelo Mbiphi aka OLDJOHN_MAYOYO is an all round creative. He’s a model, a creative, a connoisseur, a part-time photographer and a co-founder (1/5) of The Unknowns. He has been an expressive person since a young age. Music, art and fashion aid in his attempt to convey his thoughts and identity. If it’s anything to go by Oldjohn’s childhood was a good indicator as to where he was headed. As a child he would spend the money he received from his grandmother to shop for the latest 5KMs Tees, Diesel Jean’s, Murachini Tees, the list is endless. They were fake but the authenticity didn’t matter because they meant more than that. As he grew older their meaning became clearer. 7

As a team, his colleagues refer to themselves as the “voice of the voiceless.” Representatives for people just like them. Inspiration leads to a concept that could raise awareness about certain issues. The work does not specifically focus on how stylish the models look and how cool the concepts are, but rather everything that goes into the work contributes towards spreading word about socio-economic issues they’re experiencing and the formulation of solutions. But what is the end goal? Oldjohn believes that they’re already making an impact on the world, and not exactly on a global scale or a post that’s garnering a ton of attention. An impact is a quick message from someone telling you that your work has had a positive affect on their life. As someone who sees themselves as a voice for others, the highest validation for Oldjohn is an appreciative word from the people he represents.

STYLIST: MBULELO “OLDJOHN” MBIPHI. PHOTOGRAPHERS: AGI_ REEZY; LENS EXPERIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY. CELLIO_PHOTOGRAPHY, SPHA_MAHLOKAZI. WHAT WE ARE DOING IS IMPORTANT

the house they built By Buddist Niffy

my mother drives a truck full of rage or is it a truck full of disquietude... I don’t know. what I do know is that when it gets full, she rams it into me as hard and as violently as possible. when the dust and debris have cleared she gently holds my broken, bruised, and bloody body in her arms and tells me that she loves me. I can’t say it back. this is what irony feels like.

most days the detrimental foundation my parents built their marriage on is shaken to its core. this is the house we live in the house they built. but soon I’ll build my own home. something warm and safe, void of broken glass and anger. perhaps I’ll be joined by a person who adores me as much as I do them. until then. . .

aesthetikselektor

my father drinks an immeasurable amount of desolation every day. every day he offers me some and I politely decline, at which point he fixes me with a look of such despondency and recites a spiel on how the plan had failed him. a river runs between us two and I’ve given up on crossing it, so has he.

vol.2

vol. 2

adorn By Abongile Mayana

“I used to hate the fact that I felt so different.”

After knocking on the studio door and receiving permission to enter, we find him with a pair of clippers in hand going to work on his friend’s hair. It’s not a big space and every inch of it is occupied by something. An easel, some chairs, a shelf and tables. The walls are littered with his own artwork and the entire ceiling is covered in gloomy words like; ONE DAY I KNOW I WILL FEEL HOME AGAIN SMILE AGAIN COLD LITTLE BROKEN HEART. Jesus, this guy’s down bad. Later he assures me that they weren’t written by him, but right at that moment it feels like we’ve intruded upon something.

First impressions place Juanito Featherstone into the “introverted artist” stereotype. He’s fidgety, concise and quiet with his words. We, Q and me, are on a mission to pick his brains and see what makes him tick. I’m beginning to question whether it’ll be possible to extract anything from this individual. But he quickly dispels my doubts and opens up.

Imagine the most perfect strain of Mary Jane. One that lifts you off your feet and up to the highest peak, it gently hold you there while you admire the view below. It’s great and you’ve never felt better. Now imagine MJ decides that you’ve been floating for far too long and instead of setting you back down gently, she roundhouse kicks you to the ground, gifting you with a concussion before promising to return in a year. Spend enough time here and you’ll realise, in a nutshell, that’s what Makhanda feels like. Each year our small, sleepy town hosts a spirited celebration known as the National Arts Festival. For eleven days in July Makhanda transforms itself into the bubbling hub of inclusivity and creativity in South Africa. People from all over the world swarm here to indulge in different forms of art ranging from poetry, theatre, music, crafts and more. Eleven days of greatness and then… dead. After so much noise, the rest of the year is spent in tedious procedure. For a place that prides itself on creativity we’re certainly lacking in any. Or perhaps it is bountiful but the creatives themselves haven’t discovered a way to tap into the vacancy.

“Untitled” 2021 Monotype print Ink, acrylic, oil pastels on fabriano paper

Juanito was born and raised in Makhanda like myself. Obviously there’s family spread out in other places but we just happen to be the children of the core who decided to settle here. We even went to the same school but that’s where our childhood similarities end though. Juanito recalls how he grew up in the hood, and because of his older brother, and the freedom his parents granted him, had experiences most people only get in high school or the first year of university. “When I was in high school I felt old. The things people do in first year is old news to me. I’ve already lived this life, I lived it too young and it’s boring now, I don’t regret it though…Because that’s what I thought you were supposed to do. That’s the progression, right? But you rush through that part of your life and start wondering what’s next.” 14

Self-portrait, untitled 16

Self-portrait, untitled 17

School itself is a little more relatable. It was a place that for the longest time I believed was catering more towards a certain type and attempted to make it’s pupils fit that mold. “I used to hate the fact that I felt so different,” Juanito says. “Everyone else was into cars and playing rugby. Everyone’s doing the same shit and I kept wondering whether there were people who actually cared about the stuff I cared about.” Took the words right out of my mouth. If this were a movie we’d flashback to a scene of a teacher informing me how much of a waste of space I was for not participating in more sports. It’s certainly strange getting away from that environment and then reuniting with someone you haven’t seen since matric. You realising just how different they are. Did you even truly know them? Perhaps that’s why part of his work focuses on identity. Juanito is exploring how humans are able to curate and express their identities through clothing, we’re the only animals on the planet who do this. We layer different materials on top of our skin and this could be seen as a constructed aesthetic of who the individual is. The second skin. Wanting to add more layers to his skin he reveals that’s he also been wanting to learn how to sow. “I want to make my own clothes some day. If I can imagine it I can make it, then I won’t have to spend time looking for an item I really want in 12 different stores.” Most people try to leave Makhanda as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Stay long enough and it begins to feel claustrophobic, but he tells me that he’s been thinking differently.

“I’ve always wanted to leave this place but I don’t think I should. There’s nothing creative going on here so it’s not exactly a place where I could do anything. But I’m getting older and I feel like I should contribute to the community in some way.”

There’s untapped potential here. People who desperately want to be part of something but are being held back by doubt. “I don’t want it to be a situation where it’s killing people’s creativity. If I can get it right then I can show others that it’s something you can actually do, not something you should run away from.” Speaking of showing people it’s okay to pursue creativity, the National Arts Festival organised a series of programmes that make up what is known as the Creative City Project. The Project is meant to grow the creative community in Makhanda beyond the annual festival in July. Examples of this include the annual Masicule concert, the Cinema Under the Stars, the Festival Gallery at 38 Somerset Street, the Fingo Festival and the Makana Arts Academy. The National Arts Festival partnered with the European Union and allegedly saw that R6 million was invested into the Creative City Project.

That was announced all the way back in 2014 and although there has been some impact made by the Project it’s been alarming quiet for a while now. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you the town has deteriorated. We’ve been suffering from a drought for God knows how long, the water that we do have is dirty and can make you sick. Cars drive on potholes not roads and rubbish piles up on the streets. Make you wonder where the R6 million went, and the estimated R360 million contribution that the Festival brings in every year for the Eastern Cape’s GDP. It’s difficult to imagine how much change one could make in a place that’s sunk so low. But Juanito possesses talent, determination, curiosity and intelligence. So we’ll see. 19

“Untitled” 2021. Monotype print. Ink, acrylic, oil pastels on fabriano paper 20

“Untitled” 2021. Monotype print. Ink, acrylic, oil pastels on fabriano paper 21

segue costiera By Bianca Iannucci

“A beautiful side view of the city awaits those who decide to visit the beach.”

Positano, one of the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast, rises in height so that panoramic spots can be found behind every corner. A beautiful side view of the city awaits those who decide to visit the beach. It is one of the most expansive places in Italy and offers many hidden gems. The beach is littered with fruit vendors where you can purchase fresh granita with local lemons. And if you want to treat yourself get a drink at Franco’s Bar, one of the most Insta popular places of the Coast.

Scario, Campania is considered the gem of the Cilento Coast. This village offers access by boat to some of the most precious hidden beaches in southern Italy. Take the “barconi” to Baia Infreschi, a UNESCO protected marine area, and enjoy the beauty of the nature and mountains. And step into Oasi for the best ice-cream.

Road tripping through Pulgia is the best way to discover what it has in store for you. The most important tip is in regard to food; always look for the hidden “trattoria” out of town in order to find quality meals, homemade red wine, the well known romantic Italian atmosphere, and the funniest waiters you will ever meet.

COURTESY OF BIANCA IANNUCCI (@BIANCAIANNU) FOR AS VOLUME 2.

Hope has a name By Kgosietsile Leburu

“Sitting on the highest mountain with moonlight gently caressing the mist in the air, he plays on.”

A name cannot be given but legend says this spirit has been trying to find his way home for centuries. He patiently waits for every full moon when a pathway is forged for his return home. The moon gives him hope. But with every given opportunity he never seems to succeed, always too far to reach. So he plays his duduk, in the mountains and on the ocean, waiting to get back to his love: My hands have grown tired, weary from my travels, though my soul still ignites with fire at the thought of seeing you again. This is as far as I could get, even though you do not notice every step. The tears would taste sweeter hearing your whispers, but they remain as bitter as the sea. If you stretch out your hand maybe I’ll reach, but doubt has plagued me like pneumonia on a fragile old man. You send me your love at every place my foot lands, it does not do me any good because it reminds me that we are like the moon and the ocean. Though you raise my love and spirit, it leaves me with more rage because I will only feel you in the next cycle of the moon. And on he plays…

WRITTEN BY KGOSIETSILE LEBURU (@ VINCERE_). AS VOLUME 2.

Conversations between the Id and the Superego By Chakaza Dlamini

An anthem, an ode to all the times we were presently stuck in the past, living in our mind’s cycle. The mind works in intricate ways to make sense of the perspectives we are exposed to. Everything is absorbed from the senses shaping how we see the world and ourselves. Finding significance in not knowing and letting it be, while also neglecting our awareness. All that we know is that we don’t know. Different parts of the consciousness maintain our stronghold behaviours and beliefs without us realising.

This piece constitutes of faces to represent the different aspects of personality, mental operations to balance the human instinct for immediate satisfaction with the morals we uphold. Learned behaviours from our childhood are internalised, impacting how you currently see yourself. The mind can be best understood as a sponge, taking in information from its environment to build one’s character. Rationality gives us the power to choose to uphold and neglect certain beliefs and, in that light, can change the nature of how we see ourselves in relation to the world.

To celebrate the mind’s illusion of reality is to recognise how we exist in the past, present and future simultaneously. Time connects us to lived moments as memories allowing us to reminisce on what has been. Portraits of the future are heavily influenced by the realities we create, and the different conversations of consciousness let us appreciate ourselves as mindful individuals. All that we desire like self-love, inner peace and prosperity are present existing states of being and the power of choice allows us to rule over our experiences and behaviour. Each second is not like the second before, progression is not linear, you are more than your mind’s eye. 30

COURTESY OF MOOD MONSTER. FOR AESTHETHIK SELEKTOR VOL2. WRITTEN BY: CHAKA DLAMINI

ign ora mus

By Qaphile Langa 33

The lobby in my mind continues a tune of calm amidst all the chaos like trickling keys with a soft cadence. How I wish you were here! To see the boy, in all his ignorance, stumble on tongues and trip on a metaphor. Preaching the importance of doing, because time escapes the late dreamers. Most days are alright... when I am too busy to miss you. A tiresome loop of almosts and “maybe next time” both an ignorant boy and a troubled man, hiding in plain sight.

AESTHETIKSELEKTOR A DIGITAL MAGAZINE BY CHAMAELEON COLLECTION WHAT WE ARE DOING IS IMPORTANT VOLUME 2 SEPTEMBER 2021 WISH YOU WERE HERE

The inescapable jazz still in the lobby of my mind offers a symphony of crickets when all thoughts have been thunk.

Ease Into It.

vol.2

SEPTEMBER 2021

ign ora mus

Fruit of The Spirit

MODELS: ATHI XUNDU, SIHLE MFENE, QAPHILE LANGA, LEBONE LEHLOKOE, CHRISTELLE ILUNGA, TASHINGA GUDZA, LUKHANYO SIWISA. CONCEPT: QAPHILE LANGA (IGNORAMUS). PHOTOGRAPHER & STYLISTS: CHAMAELEON Q.

fresh living with Vuna

Founded by two young, black females aspiring to change the catering playground, Vuna is concerned with fresh living. Creating a fresh approach on food catering by designing aesthetically pleasing Vuna grazing tables, platters, and boxes filled with bursts of flavour, texture and colour. “We wanted a name that will communicate how it all started.” Vuna is a Zulu word meaning “to harvest,” and they began by creating harvest tables. The name also echoes the feeling people get during harvest season. “There is a joyful and celebratory feeling amongst the people because the successful harvest has provided sustenance and Vuna naims at providing the same feeling through our food experience.” As hospitality management graduates from the leading hotel school, both Nomfundo Zulu and Unathi Ngewu are looking to use their industry experience, skills, and passion for hospitality in the best way they can. Vuna is currently based in Gauteng, and they have plans to diversify their menu. “We will be taking food grazing to whole other new by incorporating foods that South African people know and love, with a Vuna twist, of course.”

Be a G.O.A.T with your cheese! Thinking about cheese when creating a grazing platter or table can be intimidating. So we have compiled a few basic tips and tricks that will make you an ultimate cheese connoisseur. 1. Select and arrange different types of cheeses that satisfy different palates from strong sharp to mild cheeses. Play with various textures, colours, and flavours in order for your grazing table or platter to pack a punch. 2. Always serve cheese at room temperature. This allows the flavours and aromas of the cheese be at their most intense. 3. Once you have decided on the cheese, comes our personal favourite: cheese and wine pairing. The aim is to have both the wine and cheese complement each other rather than overpowering each other. Lend a page from our basics to start you off.

Wine pairing suggestions 1. Pinot Grigio - Mozzarella, Ricotta 2. Champagne/Sparkling wine - Brie or Camembert 3. Sauvignon Blanc - Goat cheese, Feta, Mild cheddar 4. Chardonnay - Gruyere, Gouda, Mild cheddar 5. Pinot Nior is a fruit forward, very low tannic wine, so it is safe when paired with any cheese (medium cheese)

COURTESY OF VUNA (@IMVUNO) CONTACT: IMVUNO@OUTLOOK. COM. FOUNDERS: UNATHI NGEWU, NOMFUNDO ZULU. FRESH LIVING. 47

a forest trail By Tumi Tsele

“If you’re looking for an adventurous, nature-ridden and affordable road trip destination, visit Hogsback.”

It is a beautiful little village situated high up on the Amathole mountains of the Eastern Cape province in South Africa. Hogsback is a well know tourist attraction among both international and national tourists for its surrounding century-old indigenous Afro-montane forests, waterfalls and exotic plants from all parts of the Earth. As you know, the novel COVID-19 is challenging the world at the moment. Unprecedented global travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders have caused the most severe disruption of the global economy. Still, the little town thrives on tourism (some may even say depends on it), and we need to ensure that Hogsback stays on the map – even if the footprint is digital. Hogsback offers its visitors a variety of things to do, see and experience. From mountain biking, abseiling and archery, to horse-riding, yoga retreats and trout fishing. For outdoor and fitness enthusiasts, one of the best ways to experience the beauty, silence and the restfulness of Hogsback is on foot. There’s plenty of hiking routes and walks that’ll take you through the forests, up the mountains, past the waterfalls and the most spectacular views. Hogsback’s variety of falls ranges from gushing down cliffs into atlantis-blue pools, to grey satin threaded with silver drizzling softly over rocks. Many can be accessed from a number of starting points, depending on how far you want to walk, while some have to be hunted down. The most popular falls include Madonna & Child, 39 Steps Waterfall, Bridal Veil and Swallowtail. During normal periods, the falls are seen as an exquisite series of wide cascades in the form of a natural staircase, but after heavy rain they become a seething mass of water surging down a slope, with their step-like formation lost beneath a swollen torrent. So, when it comes to timing a visit for waterfalls, enquire about the latest rains in the area. Then, in transition between rainy and dry, that’s where you’re likely to get the best of both worlds. The approximate times of the hikes can range from 15 minutes to 4 hours depending on the route taken. 49

It’s recommended to give yourself a good few hour to complete hikes more than 2km. Hiking always involves some degree of risk so it’s also important to obtain local information about conditions before walking, and ensure you leave details of planned walks with a responsible person. Given that Hogsback offers a wide range of activities, it’d be impossible to complete all of them in one day and one would have to spend at least 1-2 nights to experience the best Hogsback has to offer. The available accommodations have facilities and rates to suit all needs. The options include camping hostels or self-catering homes, to magical cottages and luxurious hotel rooms. We stayed in a lovely self-catering cottage booked through AirBNB, called Bramber Cottage. It is set in a tranquil, beautiful park-like garden bordering the indigenous forest and offers complete privacy. It is easily accessible and within walking distance from The Bluff, The Edge and the magical indigenous forest. The space comprises of 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining table and an outside terrace which makes it suitable for both families and friends travelling together. If you don’t have an appetite to cook your own meals, there’s a variety of Take Away Menus available from the local restaurants and even from the hotels, as well as a few foodies with homemade pop-up treats and meals. The pubs, restaurants and coffee shops in the village provide great service, scrumptious food with generous servings and affordability. My favorite meal was Beef Burger meal from Happy Hogs for only R79 (the best I’ve ever had). You won’t explore all of Hogsback on one visit. There are so many pockets of paradise in our beautiful country, you just have to be willing to find them

WRITTEN BY TUMI TSELE (@TUUUMI). PHOGRAPHER. TUMI TSELE. WITH KGOTSO NDLOVU. AS VOL.2 51

cloth talk

By Stfombolesihle Dlamini

Being sustainable is not the norm. It’s been a trend for some and merely a fad for others. As much as we’ve progressed over the years it’s almost as if we possess no sense of self preservation. Sustainability should be a lifestyle, a way of life in our ever-changing world. The most common definition of sustainability is to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations meeting their own needs. Essentially, it is the ability to live for yourself and for others as well. Yes, this is through the global conservation of our environment and it’s resources, but I also mean on a smaller scale during our day to day lives. Thoughtlessness, inconsideration and ruthlessness is the norm. Negativity sells, it’s contagious and spreads fast like a virus. We’re on this planet to be challenged and to reach our full potential. Part of that potential is love. Not in it’s romantic or intimate form, but love for people in general, something that knows no bounds and conditions. Humans are the perhaps the most dangerous animals on the earth. Not only do we kill other species, but we kill our own kind and draw from the planet without equal return. So here we are living unsustainable lives and blindly hurting everything around us. It’s easy to fall into depression and see no or very little good in the world. But there is good out there, it’s embedded in trust. Trusting that we are each guided by the creator, and understanding that what you put out is also what you take in. Take notice of the things around you, and the possible good you could contribute to sustaining our home.

WRITTEN BY: STFOMBOLESIHLE DLAMINI (@BEAUTIFULSEEDLING) FOR AS VOLUME 2.

paroptic vision By Chakaza Dlamini

I’ve always believed that human beings are more than just five senses. I do have my own supernatural hopes for the future of our species, and there are prominent signs that we are on the right track. It is true that the senses are powerful abilities used to comprehend the world around us. Preferences and personality stem from pleasing stimulations of these senses, implicating different things – from the mug you use for your tea or the prominent colours in your wardrobe. The senses work together to form an impression of your environment and we use them in unique ways to bend reality to their own liking. Vision has been the sense of deep interest to me. Being able to stay connected to the Earth by way of light distribution and hues. Technology immortalised the eye and invented the camera, now we have photographs and motion pictures to capture moments. Memories have become more than just fickle things stuck in your head. Technological strides have allowed for us to stay in contact with the past. I have been wondering about the possibility of seeing with more than just our eyes and rather with other parts of the body. As phenomenal as they are, the eyes remain quite limiting to the true potential of our ability to see. Paroptic vision is defined as the power to comprehend visual circumstances from skin contact. There are a select number of people who have been shown to exert this ability in the world (source: Mike Mowbray). These studies infuse a great belief in the capabilities of the supernatural human being in which the possibilities are limitless. Just think about it, a gallery show for art pieces in a pitch black room. The invited guest are given the freedom to touch the art and understand it in a way that is not simply bound by sight, but allow them to identify the colours as they crash into each other to form visual emotions of rage and passion through the feeling of the art. This would be the possibility to feel deeply and visually through skin contact and that can produce more emotions. Interpretation can be stretched to infinite cascades. I would assume that sensation would be elevated and the mundane handshake would not mean the same as it used to. We might even be more cautious of who we share our hugs with. Our abilities sink deeper than the Earth’s core, this would be the newer, intricate understanding of what we currently don’t know about emotions. Everyday we spend time trying to make sense of our feelings, interpreting body language but not truly being able to recognise emotions for what they truly are, only the expressions of it. This could be the spark to unlocking a greater power of the human senses. We could even get to the point of interpreting scent with our ears. “That casserole dish smells like Mansur’s Interlude!” 55

a rainy day in jozi By Samuel Sidnee Figueredo

We wake up to rattling and crackling above our heads Rattled, we scurry and hurry like herds of sheep but our wool remains on our beds Exposed. Thick fog blankets our legs as the dew settles scuttle, screech and shuffle Cabinet doors open and shut in our faces governed by the churches, we let the minister tell us how he will diminish the demons skipping through our veins tires, doors, heels clanking on the floors drops mark the trail of where we’ve been but where are we headed? polka dots on our umbrellas Joker poses on our leaders where are we headed? clothes rags covering the headlines hide my freedom of expression call it a spear to your reputation finally exposed to the harsh winds that carried you and your luggage south sho’t left, right and centre scurrying about where’s the city centre? where we’re all standing with our tags under the shelter waiting for the rain to die down so we can get to the cardinal point local or international?

prosperity By Markan Andreas Nkhwazi

The seat behind me, solely reserved For the witness of my demise, Was finally empty. I would often catch myself Wondering where its occupant had gone. Perhaps they’d stepped out For some fresh air. All I know is that whoever returned Felt like home Their wandering heart was eager For some kind of thrill

“What am I to you? An exhibition? Some kind of breathing museum?” I demanded. “Some would say a monument,” they replied. “What would you say?” “Some kind of breathing museum.” I had to be sure that this wasn’t the offspring of malaise... So I mulled it over But each subsequent encounter Dissolved into obscurity I humbled myself. And took a left before the rabbit hole I had to remind myself that My skin was still a parachute At least for now How I sailed through decay The backdrop of time I felt the weight of the grave And when pride finally breathed its last Their presence arrived And their curiosity was far from subtle They stepped out of the theatre And into these segues Between arrival and departure The language of dreams Those curious puzzles of light Weaved into the tender fabric Of a mosaic of prayers And between each seam They left letters behind Inscribed by Posterity We were the spectacle Our lives but questions And they were the onlookers The answers yet to come

II I swam in the substance of a dream and when I finally came up for air I found myself on a bench, in what seemed to me like a park. I watched as two figures stood over me. They were having a conversation except it was less like speech and more like curiosity. I wonder whose. Despite the price of my affliction I have been rewarded with an intimate memory, that is to say, that faces scarcely elude me. So when I say that they did not have faces, do believe me. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say that they felt no need to share theirs with me. I wonder if it matters all that much, we need mirrors to remind ourselves that we have faces after all. Over the course of a day, reflections become checkpoints… As for those figures, well they seemed delighted to be there, enjoying their conversation in a way that very few people do. “Only the eyes work on the older models. The hardware can hardly keep up but the software does what it can,” I heard the taller one say. Forgive me for paraphrasing but again, when they spoke… it was less like speech and more like curiosity. I wonder whose. My only job was to sit there. I suppose I felt some responsibility to return with a piece of our encounter. Despite my self-appointed role as mediator, the best I could do was hear them and even then, I don’t recall what their voices sounded like or, perhaps more honestly, I was not meant to. Worst still, and maybe for the best, I only remember that part of the conversation: “Only the eyes work on the older models…” It made me wonder why they chose this medium. These intermissions we call dreams.

as SEPTEMBER 2021

III

“How sure are you that he’ll remember?” the other one said. “This isn’t the first time we’ve had this conversation and it certainly won’t be the last,” the taller one replied. “Why’s that?” “He promised. They all did. Now that, that he won’t remember…” “None of them will,” the other one added. “Even then, I still think the older models are impressive,” the taller one concluded. 64

WRITTEN BY MARKAN ANDREAS NKHWANZI (@ POWERED_BY_HAMSTERS) FOR AESTHETIKSELEKTOR VOLUME 2. A DIGITAL MAGAZINE BY CHAMAELEON COLLECTION

spoken consciousness By Kidz of Biko

“The aim is to decolonise, educate, and celebrate blackness.”

Inspired by the black consciousness movement led by Tata Steve Biko in apartheid South Africa, Kidz of Biko aims to celebrate blackness just the same. By appreciating both the voices of the heroes of the past and the heroes that Mzansi Africa continues to birth today. This is a youth organisation that aims to provide a voice for the voiceless through Spoken Consciousness events that allow the body politic to express themselves, their grievances, their pain, and their love for deep and cultured country. Our gaol is to provide for those that are forgotten by our leaders by raising awareness and collecting essentials for those who need it the most, be it young people in homes or giving young women the chance to experience a glamorous matric dance. The aim is to uplift black people and celebrate black excellence as Tata Biko would have wanted. Tata stressed the need for black South Africans to liberate themselves psychologically and to become self-reliant in order to fundamentally change South Africa. While we are now democratic and have our human rights, there is still so much fundamental change that our country has to go through. From uplifting those living under the bread line to protecting our women and children to decolonising South African education and discourse.

Kidz of Biko aims to be this change, no matter how small. The organisation is driven to let every black child know, as uTata would say, “Black is Beautiful.”

Vol.2

COURTESY OF KIDZ OF BIKO TEAM. EMAIL: KIDZOFBIKO@ GMAIL.COM STYLED BY: SISIPHO BALAKISI.

THE RED NOTE. 70

cycle

By Abongile Mayana

The Baby Emerges from the womb, screaming and full of Life. The Child Runs with bright eyes and reckless abandon. The Adolescent Artlessly hunts after dreams and fantasy. The Adult Turns obsequious and sacrifices to the machine in order to get by. The Elder Reflects and sighs.

arsenic33 By Loui with an e

I’m okay but... nevermind. It’s just conversations with the mind of another me

an isolated dichotomy By Liam Wright

“I wanted to explore the depths of provoked women in society.”

Originally a stage play, Malkom no Meri in: The Night of Revelations is a short film centered around themes of madness, changing human dynamics, bruised masculinity, and traditional gender roles. We see a young couple, both facing struggles in their own lives, question each other’s roles and responsibilities in their relationship. This leads to subtle revelations not only about the relationship but about themselves as individuals. The film introduces each revelation through chapters and explores the root of toxicity under the condition of togetherness. Trapped in a reality of her own condition, we see Meri on a journey of personal discovery, to face herself in the mirror and unravel, but at what cost? During the pre-script development stage, I came across an article in a magazine which stated, “Almost every woman I have come across has had to constantly guard their true emotions: her anger, her ambition, her mind and fantasies”.

This inspired me to invent the character of Meri, for many she might seem deranged but behind insanity lies reasonable explanation. The idea for this short film was inspired by the American film Malcolm and Marie. This, coupled with my interest in the dynamics of human relationships, pushed me create my own story. The idea to incorporate Revelations in the title was reference to the Book of Revelations in the bible which prophecies the coming of tragic events. Tragedy is an important theme explored in the film. Malkom, a shadow of himself broken down by the burden of his youth, succumbs to the pressures of his career and masculinity. This leaves Meri with no choice but to retaliate in her own way. Unaware of the detriments of his behaviour on Meri, Malkom creates a need for her to relieve internal conflicts. This leaves her with a renewed spirit and giving light to a new breath. As the story unfolds, we see Meri

navigate her emotions. In the end she realises the extent of her condition, her relationship with her husband, and her world. Meri leads Malkom into the void and the rest is up to the viewer to decide.

In writing the characters, I wanted to pay homage to women who love without reservation and with comfort. I wanted to explore the depths of provoked women in society and how far they can go to take back their power. So many women yearn for vengeance, in isiXhosa it’s called ‘ukuziphindisela”. I wanted Meri to be the voice of these women and arm her with the desire for vengeance. I think it is important to give women the freedom to kill, at least in imaginary circumstances. Meri is a despicable character, but she was fun to invent. As for Malkom, I could care less about him.

WRITTEN BY PAMELA DYANTYI (@SIIMPLY_PAM) FOR THE NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL. MODELS: THUMAMNA SIBHOZO, PAMELA DYANTYI. PHOTOGRAPHER: CHAMAELEON Q

from a distance By Katarzyna Wiktorski

Polish born, Melbourne-based; Katarzyna is a pianist, composer, arranger, producer and band leader. Inspired by Andrea Keller’s Wave Rider she formed her first major group the Katarzyna Wiktorski Octet in 2019. Fusing an unconventional string quartet with a jazz quartet, her pieces are influenced by classical, jazz, film music and contemporary sensibilities. Kat’s music explores light and dark landscapes, drawing from personal experiences that create anemotional, ornate listening experience. In 2020, Kat independently released a series of original music remotely recorded during two lockdowns including singles Sudden Limbo and Search for Stillness and four-track EP From a Distance featuring her octet. Kat was fortunate enough to be a student of Barney McAll, Andrea Keller and Sam Keevers who have all enriched her knowledge, skills and artistry. Since completing the Jazz & Improvisation program at the VCA/MCM, she was awarded runner up of the 2020 Allan Zavod Performers’ Award which celebrates the fusion of classical and improvisatory elements in an original composition. Kat is currently involved in various performing and recording projects including playing in the Jazzlab Orcheztra and debuting as a film composer, completing her first short Touie (unreleased) in 2020. Kat is passionate, determined and dedicated to creating musical works for various live ensembles, screen and recording projects.

live streaming the apocolypse By Abongile Mayana

The sky we had once looked up at with awe and longing now only offers us fear. It’s burning. The stars fall down to the earth in fiery heaps of destruction. 90

We’ve positioned ourselves on a roof, all the better to bear witness to the chaos. The girl beside me captures it all live through her phone in 4k resolution. People flood the streets; screams pierce the air as they flee in desperation. Fleeing to where I can’t say, any and all safety flew out the window ages ago. In a last-ditch effort to taste blood, some have even resorted to violence. Our capacity for it has never wavered, why should it now? Others have begun looting in order to satisfy the ever-present allures. Police units do all they can to control the situation. And by all they can I mean nothing. We see a family pack up what remains of their lives into their car. The mother attempts to calm her bawling children who probably understand more than she realises. The father starts the engine, ready to go. Acts of futility, all of it. I think of my own family. Most likely at home, perched on the couch, hand in hand, watching televangelists profess that the wrath of God has finally arrived. Maybe even a host of angels will descend from heaven any minute now and deliver His word. Unless, of course, He decides to pull through Himself. Wouldn’t that be a crazy sight? The girl’s attention remains fixed on the phone, as if it is the only way she can digest what is happening around us. “What’s the point of that?” I ask. “We’ve documented pretty much everything else,” she replies. “Why not the end?” The end… “I thought we had more time. There’s still so much left undone,” I say. “There’s no time. Tuck the past and the future away, and just be here for this. It’ll be over soon.” She takes my hand. The stars continue to rain down, the screaming continues, the chaos merges and slowly lulls me into a beautiful reverie. In the distance we see buildings crumble and the ground erupts. In the next moment our lungs collapse, and everything is gone. 91

as SEPTEMBER 2021

vol.2

Volume 2

Articles inside

Live streaming the apocalypse.