By Ruth Addicott
Italian-born fashion photographer Niko Ancona has launched Soloarte – a glossy magazine for those interested in art without the academic trappings.
The 132-page monthly is targeting readers aged 25 to 40 who are put off by traditional art magazines. Ancona, whose work has appeared in Vanity Fair, Vogue, W, The Times and The Independent, has secured backing from a wealthy benefactor well connected in the art world.
The title will feature celebrities and up-and-coming talent, plus articles on fashion, painting, sculpture, theatre, dance, design, architecture, film, music, bars and restaurants. “Other art magazines are too serious and I believe that scares people,” Ancona said. “We are trying to look at things from a human point of view. There are lots of people interested in art. We believe everyone is creative, whatever their field. The art establishment makes it too difficult for people.” The first issue features profiles of model/actress Lisa B, fashion designer Ben de Lisi, Turner Prize nominee Catherine Yass and actor-writer DeObia Oparei. Ancona, former creative director of Madison Publications in New York, is relying mainly on freelance contributions. Lynne Gentle, visual arts writer and press officer at London’s Lisson Gallery, is features editor and Michael Killeen, who has written for the New York Times, is New York editor. Mark Ludmon, former deputy editor on The Publican, is assistant editor.
The title has a print run of 20,000, cover price of £3.50 and will be distributed in 27 countries.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog