As part of the FROM ORDINARY TO EXTRA-ORDINARY lecture series at SPD, Salvaneschi examines the concept of the afterlife through an analysis of the final issue of the Swiss art magazine Parkett. By exploring the language, projects, and ideas presented in its last communications and ultimate edition, it will attempt to understand how the act of ceasing publication enables the magazine—considered more broadly—to reconnect with its essence, with its extraordinariness, embodied by its artists, contributors, writers, and collaborators. The central inquiry questions whether the magazine can transcend its own conclusion, assessing the feasibility of such continuity and exploring potential avenues for its realization.
An Extraordinary Journey into the Afterlife
For Salvaneschi, Parkett’s afterlife can be understood through the concept of expanded exchanges—how discussions, ideas, and creative collaborations continue even after the magazine’s final issue. This notion captures the magazine’s unique ability to foster dialogues that outlive its physical form. The extraordinary journey into the afterlife of Parkett lies in this ongoing engagement with contemporary art and the lasting impact of its contributors.
The Dual Nature of a Magazine’s Soul
Salvaneschi identifies two key aspects of Parkett‘s “soul”:
- Its Spirit: The ongoing discussions, research, and engagement with contemporary art, along with the people who contributed to it.
- Its Body: The physical printed pages, the ink, and the materials that made up the magazine itself.
This duality captures the tension between the tangible and intangible elements of a magazine’s identity. While the physical form may cease to exist, its spirit—through ideas and community—can endure and evolve.
A Periodical Beyond Convention
As Gwen Allen states in The Magazine (2010), a magazine is “a type of periodical: it is issued at regular intervals and exists serially across a span of time.” Parkett distinguished itself by going beyond this definition, choosing to engage deeply with the art world in a more involved and committed way. Unlike conventional art publications focused on detached news and information, Parkett took a clear and dedicated stand. Its objective was to conduct in-depth, close-up inquiries into artistic production, establishing partnerships with artists and shaping a unique editorial vision.
A Legacy That Defies Closure
“Parkett deliberately goes against the grain of conventional art publications,” said Bice Curiger, Jacorne Burckhard, and Dieter von Grafferried. This commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation is precisely what allows the magazine’s spirit to persist beyond its physical conclusion. Even after the final issue, the conversations and collaborations initiated by Parkett continue to influence the contemporary art scene, demonstrating how a magazine can indeed achieve an extraordinary afterlife.