Ultimate Mag: Flash Art
Welcome to another discovery of the month!
Today’s topic is Flash Art Magazine.
I’m honestly surprised that I haven't come across this incredible art magazine sooner. Even when I wrote an art magazine review about a year ago, I recommended The Spark Art Magazine, yet I had absolutely no idea that this masterpiece had been quietly existing all along right under my nose!
Backstory:
One of the most well-known magazines about modern art is “Flash Art”.
Giancarlo Politi founded Flash Art in Rome in 1967, with Helena Kontova joining the team later on. The magazine connects collectors, curators, and artists from around the world and is published in both English and Italian. Over the years, Flash Art has played a key role in bringing recognition to many artists, especially those involved in movements like Arte Povera and Transavanguardia. It features thoughtful essays on current art world events, exhibition reviews, and in-depth artist interviews. Today, Flash Art continues to be an essential resource for discovering new trends, original ideas, and fresh perspectives in contemporary art.
Thoughts on Magazine:
With its current Fall issue, number 352, Flash Art stands out as one of the most promising magazines in the art world. The edition I am currently reading, the Fall issue, features a wealth of in-depth articles and essays, as well as extensive exhibition coverage, with a special emphasis on the artist’s vision. I believe this focus on the artist’s perspective is the most striking aspect of the magazine. I have come to realize that, perhaps due to the engaging writing style, I found myself more interested in the individual artists themselves rather than solely in the exhibition.
When I was making my purchase through their website, I really appreciated that they offered three different cover options. This thoughtful step allows the reader to engage in choosing the cover, adding a touch of personalization that feels clever and considerate. The shipping process was smooth—I encountered no issues, and the package arrived well-packed and in perfect condition.
Actually, I was surprised that the issue was thicker than expected. I pay close attention to paper quality, and I can confidently say that it did not disappoint. The printing was excellent, with vibrant colors and well-chosen fonts. Each page felt like a unique piece of art, and the overall design was thoughtfully constructed.
The most important aspect for me is that the magazine possesses a truly international perspective. Although it is an Italian-established publication, it successfully broadens its influence and engages with the global art scene. This unique combination allows me to explore the Italian art world through an intimate and detailed window, while simultaneously staying connected to the wider international art community.
The only potential issue I see is the price point. It might be justified by the quality of the paper, the high costs of obtaining it, and the hard work involved, all of which likely increase costs.While 20 euros is reasonable for the magazine itself, the additional 6 euros for shipping makes it less appealing. If there were a way to lower the price, that would be great. For example, offering an online version in PDF format, similar to what Spike Art Magazine does, could be very effective. Since I’m often on the move, I prefer reading magazines on my iPad or Kobo. Digital editions are not only more convenient but also more affordable.
Anyone who is interested in international art scenes, and hoping to gain more knowledge and various perspectives should definitely check out this one!
My overall score is 8.5/10
I would probably repurchase it.
