For this year’s Frieze London, we hosted Autre Magazine at Sir Devonshire Square for the launch of their latest issue, Work in Progress, with a full house of creatives. As part of the launch, we sat down with Oliver Kupper, founder and Editor-in-Chief, to hear what “work in progress” means to him, his favourite cover (besides this one), and the one travel item he can’t live without.
Autre’s throwing its Frieze London opening at Sir Devonshire Square — what kind of energy are you hoping to create with this launch?
All of our launch events have a strong, organic feeling of community. It has to feel warm, inviting and totally inclusive. And we want to give people a great magazine to sink their teeth into. People might know the magazine in London, but they don’t know us personally so it’s a chance to connect with old friends and meet new ones. London is such an old city, but it’s constantly reinventing itself—that energy of reinvention is super important.
The new issue’s called Work in Progress. What does that phrase mean to you right now?
This issue explores the theme of Work In Progress by examining everything from process to the state of labour in the 21st century, especially in the late stages or death rattle of the Neoliberal experiment. It’s a time of rapid change: AI is starting to take over, biotech, art, design—-it’s all changing. The phrase Work In Progress is so ubiquitous but it defines our entire generation.
Autre’s always been about the in-between — art, fashion, ideas. Where do you see the magazine sitting in culture today?
Hopefully in-between two other magazines.
Person who defines “work in progress”?
Dr Frankenstein’s monster. He is all of us right now. A mish mash of cultural references and vague false memories.
Can’t travel without?
An international adapter
Best place to eat or drink in London?
The lobby at Sir Devonshire Square hotel!
Favourite Autre cover ever?
Nadia Lee Cohen and Pee-wee Herman. A single copy is now going for over £500 on the internet.
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