as seen by Keisuke Otobe
I. The transparent cover wrap designed by Paul Boudens.
II. A white ‘readymade’ power cord, scanned by Maison Martin Margiela.
In celebration of the 2021 limited edition reprint of A Magazine Curated By Maison Martin Margiela (2004), the Milan-based Japanese artist Keisuke Otobe reinterpreted a series of images from inside the issue through his digital-meets-analogue photographic practice.
Through a meticulous layering of physical manipulation, flatbed scanning and collage techniques, Otobe continues the legacy of unconventional image-making that is present throughout this landmark issue – a document that unites so many diverse styles of photographic methodologies across its pages, from X-ray to cyanotypes, photocopying and more.
Starting with the transparent cover wrap with white screen-printed typography designed by Paul Boudens, Otobe delved into A#1 selecting existing imagery that corresponded to his wishes to transform bodies and objects, isolating flat imagery from the printed document and giving it a new three dimensionality.
Scroll below to investigate Otobe’s personal interpretation of this historical project, flowers and flies included.
www.keisukeotobe.com
III. Photography by Ronald Stoops & Inge Grognard.
IV. Fabric and newspaper collages by Julian House.
V. Girardi, a long-time house model, meets Maison Martin Margiela’s written motto.
VI. Violeta Sanchez by Laurent Mercier.
‘Books are a very special format, both as a source of knowledge and as physical objects. They hold a certain weight and presence, and there is something very tactile and intimate about engaging with them. Compared to digital research, they feel more focused and, in a way, more precious.’
‘I find beauty in sadness because it’s an emotion that is ever-present for everyone; I feel sadness every day. But when I face those heavy emotions through my collection, life feels a little lighter, and the garment-making practice itself becomes meditative.’
To celebrate the launch of A Manual For Living Curated for Nike, A Magazine Curated By gathered friends and collaborators at Drop City during NikeAir_Lab for Milan Design Week 2026.
A News in your inbox