Nadia Lee Cohen — Intimacy, a Self on Self Masterclass
“For this issue, which is themed around the worrying cult of self-help, we asked British artist and filmmaker Nadia Lee Cohen to photograph herself for the cover, styled by Mar Piedro. Nadia’s known for her high gloss glamorous photography and for the smart way she uses social media. I love how by turning the camera on herself we get a side eye at self-help with Nadia’s trademark wit. Inside the magazine, we asked her about what inspired her to first turn the lens on herself, her creative influences and what she thinks of America, where she now lives” — Grace Banks, Editor in Chief
Ruth Ginika Ossai — 9ja
“I was so excited to work with Ruth in this issue, and commission an exclusive series titled, 9ja (slang for Nigeria), and part of a bigger personal project from the last few years photographing friends, family and relatives from Eastern Nigeria to Lagos. Ruth carefully builds her own studios and backdrops to fit with the individual portraits, importantly showing their own identity within Ruth’s aesthetic, with no styling, showing her subjects as they want to portray themselves. It is a real honour to be able to print this!” — Victoria Gisborne-Land, Creative Editor.
Fendi — Agents of Chance
“This spread is particularly special to me as It was such a pleasure to do a family shoot! It was really incredible working with the photographer Cihan Öncü, who has such a sensitive approach. He has delivered an exciting series from this gorgeous house in Oberkrämer, in the north of Germany. The location is beautiful as well as the family. It’s an editorial full of camaraderie and unexpected turns. I love it” — Lorena Maza, Fashion Editor
Martine Syms —“Anything you do on camera is like a performance”
“In my opinion, Syms is one of the most interesting, thoughtful and smart artists working today — and speaking to her for SLEEK 60 didn’t disappoint. Her practice, notably video and installation, is incredibly intellectually-rigorous and tuned into the mechanisms of our contemporary image-centric culture as well as the material conditions of photography. In an age of surface and superficial appearances, it was refreshing to hear Syms refer to herself as a “nerd” and how, for her, art is very much rooted in thinking and trying to understand the world” — Kathryn O’ Regan, Junior Editor
Amber Wagner — Under Her Influence
“Having a conversation with Amber Wagner was a great way to see a different side of the Instagram star that has become a force of positivity in people’s feeds. She is at the point where she is taking @jstlbby’s platform of 1.6 million followers and trying to create something larger. It is always interesting for me to see what motivates a motivational speaker” — Angela Waters, Senior Writer
SLEEK 60 is available to buy now!