Enterprising RCA students create Le Petit Néant drawing publication

Le Petit Néant  (meaning ‘the small nothingness’) is a new annual magazine set up by two RCA students – editor Miguel Angel Valdivia, and Italian student Giulia Garbin, responsible for the magazine’s great design.

Valdivia created a blog about a year ago, putting out an open call for submissions, as well as personally inviting artists whose work he admires to start collating the images for the magazine.

He says, ‘The desire, at the beginning was to create a publication just with drawings, without any text or any explanation. The drawings had to be self-sufficient. And also the presence of the authors had to be discreet and silent; that’s why, for example, in Le Petit Neant, the names of the authors are hidden in the flaps.’

The magazine celebrates the art of drawing in the simplest, most effective way possible – through the art of drawing. With the first run limited to only 500 copies, it’s a visual delight that shows how paper and ink can be used to its utmost potential.

Valdivia adds, ‘The lack of text releases the drawings’ ambiguity and creates infinite reading possibilities. Le Petit Néant wants to explore this silent narrative, created only through drawings.’

Featuring the work of artists from around the world, it’s a pleasure to see the products of such a variety of imaginations and deft drawing hands.

RCA professor Andrzei Klimowski says, ‘The content is rich in observation, psychology and the study of the human condition. Drawing is their common medium; it provides the fastest route to the mind, allowing artists to directly tap into the imagination inhabited by visions and dreams.

‘These are often witty, absurd and surreal. They focus intensely on a scene or a drama. The artworks are both visual and literary.’

Further details can be found at http://www.lepetitneant.com/