No. 18: Yours Truly

John Divola, Sage comme un image, Iko Iko coin purse, socks, and anything but Instagram

Jan 04, 2024

Last week my friend Bennett asked where Affection Archives came from, and I rattled off a few sporadic texts back to him – I love learning about what’s inspiring someone.. bringing them joy.. expanding their mind. What’s scribbled in a notebook on their kitchen table… pinned on their fridge.. saved on their desktop.. (or texted to themself — does anyone else text themselves as a way of saving things? Might just be me.) The last 17 issues of affection archives have been a look at the big & little things that deserve a moment of appreciation. An incognito gratitude list of sorts.

Looking back, the sweetest part is that every guest editor, even those I’m lucky as hell to call my best friends, has surprised me. Something I wouldn’t have thought they’d be into, photos I’d never seen them take, writing imprinted with their personality. They’ve been good surprises… delights! And a mini glimpse behind the curtain of the worlds of many thoughtful, creative, unique guest contributors. Looking forward to many more.

For now, from yours truly (Arielle, if you’re new here) –

I. a photographer

I recently read an interview with John Divola in the latest issue of Apartamento, and I’ve been thinking about his work (and words in the piece) often. In the late seventies, Divola was running on Zuma Beach and came across an abandoned property. To capture the color outside the window, he went back to the property several days in a row early in the morning when there was little light. They’re so beautiful.. they give me solace.

I love this photo Divola took also..

II. a song

Sage comme un image by Lio (1982). Lio is a Portuguese-Belgian singer who was a pop icon in France & Belgium during the ‘80s. The title of the song translates to “as good as gold”. The cover of the album is magic.

III. a gift

A few weeks before Christmas I walked into my best friend Devon’s house and she barely let me put my bag down before she gave me this small Iko Iko coin purse. Something tiny.. chic.. maroon?? She’s a keeper! (Referring to Dev, but also the coin purse). I packed a pair of earrings and a necklace in it to bring on my trip this weekend. They’re all sold out.. but looks like they’ll be restocked soon.

IV. a winter necessity

I love winter accessories. Dramatically wrapped scarves.. sexy leather gloves.. and right now I’m having fun with socks – sparkly, polka dotted, soft, floral, bold. Even if they’re hidden by a boot / pant.. I still like picking a good pair.

V. an offline activity

Instagram has been boring me lately. A while ago I read this list of 100 ways to share your work + life that aren’t social media… some are silly, some made me think. I’ve been working my way through the Community Goods coloring book by artist Tony Camaro. A nice offline touch :*

~ bulletin ~

los angeles

Open: Paul Pfeiffer’s Prologue to the Story of the Birth of Freedom at MOCA. Fashion still life photographer Sheila Metzner’s From Life at The Getty. Hannah Taurin’s Issues at Chateau Shatto. Jonas Woods’ Drawings 2003-2023 at Karma.
Saturday: Sergio Palacios’ Wall Painting opens at Shrine.

new york

Open: Waking Life at Amanita. Blair Saxon Hill’s Even Then Flowers Bloom and Clintel Steed’s Portraits of the Indomitable at Shrine. Colleen Herman’s A longed-for bed at Olympia. Women Dressing at The Met. Tracey Emin’s Lovers Grave at White Cube. Jenna Gribbon’s The Honeymoon Show! at Levy Gorvy Dayan closes this weekend. Ed Ruscha’s NOW THEN at MoMA. Henry B Taylor’s B Side and Ruth Asawa’s Through Line at The Whitney. A Glorious Bewilderment: Marie Menken’s ‘Visual Variations on Noguchi’ at the Noguchi Museum.
Tomorrow: Nathaniel Oliver’s My Journey Was Long So Yours Could Be Shorter at Karma opens. Still life drawing at Rita & Maria.. 6:30p byo supplies!