December 24, 2024
Written By
WESH STAFF
Pilot Magazine is redefining the way we engage with print media, and their latest release, Underbelly, proves it. Issue 5 takes readers on an intimate journey into the concept of “living softly,” exploring tenderness as a tool for connection, creativity, and envisioning new futures. With a distinct focus on art, mindset, and the human condition, Underbellycaptures the essence of contemporary thought in a way that feels fresh, raw, and utterly sincere.
This issue features a stellar lineup of contributors, from producer Vegyn, who offers an auditory perspective on melancholic optimism, to artist Maya Man, who reflects on her discomfort with the word "innovation." Juliet Altmann invites readers into her poetic process through a bespoke generator, while the overarching theme of softness connects every voice and vision. Each contribution emphasizes sincerity as a driving force, reminding us of its power to propel us beyond ourselves and toward collective imagination.
But Underbelly isn’t just about what’s on the page—it’s about how those pages are designed. Pilot takes a bold approach, presenting this issue vertically, with a cascading layout that feels as dynamic as the ideas it holds. Bound together by a transparent soft blue thread, the magazine physically embodies the tenderness it champions. At 170mm x 80mm, the design also features deckled edges, adding a feathery, tactile element that makes each turn of the page a sensory experience.
Readers will be captivated by the interactive elements within. Artist Gaia Alari’s flipbook-style animation flows through the pages, while moving page numbers and quotes keep the experience fluid and engaging. These inventive details transform Underbelly from a magazine into an art object, making it as thought-provoking to hold as it is to read.
Distributed by Public Knowledge Books, Underbelly stands as a testament to Pilot Magazine’s ability to capture and challenge the zeitgeist. With its layered design, profound themes, and fearless dedication to sincerity, this issue invites us to slow down, connect deeply, and imagine new ways of living.
Pilot Magazine’s Underbelly is available now. Dive into its pages and discover how softness can be a radical act in 2024.
