Only a bunch of artists would start a new art magazine in the throes of a recession. But someone has to do it. Because, sure—the economy is receding and politics are rent, but cultural production in Chicago is surging yet again.

Shifts in management and curatorial duties at some of our major art centers and museums are bringing in more challenging and fresh work. The schools are filled to the brim, and expanding their enrollment. And even though many beloved art spaces have retired, there seems to be double the amount of new galleries and spaces replacing them. Perhaps most significantly, our spring art season, with its attendant fairs and festivals, will prove once again that Chicago is one happening place.

But who would know? Most of this mysterious art activity goes unrecorded. Maybe an art enthusiast has posted a few comments on a blog, or we read about a controversy in one of our weeklies.

That’s where we come in.

The philosophy of Proximity magazine is to bring ourselves closer to each other. By getting closer to each other, and maybe even joining together between these two covers, we can critique the work we do individually, collectively and/or competitively, and publicize it at the same time. By working in proximity, we might also start to sort out our messy, dysfunctional family. Maybe we can have one big group hug before slugging it out all over again.

Proximity will mostly report on art and artists primarily in Chicago and the Midwest. We are committed to expose our readers to a wide variety of viewpoints and commentary, from art’s ivory towers to its dirty swamps. Alongside thematic essays and articles, we’ll feature artist, space and collector profiles, exhibition reviews, essays on contemporary art practices, high quality art reproductions, columns and commentary on Chicago and regional art scenes, and an extensive arts directory. In addition, Proximity’s online component will house features and interviews, a database of gallery, space, and event listings, up-to-date exhibition and artist reviews, discussions, and commentary too. Please visit us at www.proximitymagazine.com.

As outsiders, we have no allegiances, and we will maintain this independence. On top of that, we extend an open invitation to anyone to contribute thoughtful and critical analysis and essays as well as passionate prose about subjects you adore. If you’re interested, please email us: This email is hidden - JavaScript is required for viewing..

Thanks for picking up our first issue. We are really excited to serve our communities and bring some love to this city we call home.

Ed & Rachael Marszewski

Issue one is SOLD OUT