In this highly anticipated new issue, we encounter brilliant examples of what writing can do in a hypernormal time – whether that's Benjamin Gready on the absurdity of fieldwork on land under active occupation or Zahid Gamieldien's short story about a dancing rat who finds itself enmeshed in systems too shadowy to be true. But, as with the emotional cycles of resistance, hope and snark are features too. Dan Hogan considers the lawn as a class obsession, and π.ο. asks a question: why people hate poetry? We also read about a rakhasa family who passes on wisdom to their young kin, a story by Shefali Mathew. And you’ll find new poetry by Eli McLean, Fiona Hile and Sol Chan, among others, as well as a comic by Safdar Ahmed, plus heaps more. Co-editors Evelyn Araluen and Jonathan Dunk write in the editorial, "Writing always matters, but it matters most directly in the face of this kind of thuggish assault on language, our first and last commons. We can’t let the bastards have it.”
Myles Russell-Cook is a PhD candidate and lecturer in Design Anthropology and Indigenous Studies at Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia. Prior to this he undertook postgraduate studies in fine art, and undergraduate studies in photography. He is a board member for Banmirra Arts and has undertaken archival and museum research in Australia, North America and Europe. Myles also works part time as Community Liaison & Cultural Advisor for Kids’ Own Publishing as an artist manager. Myles runs artist led studios with CALD artists producing books by communities for communities that strengthen culture, language and literacy. He is also a member of AIATSIS and has been recognised for his contributions to the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies, as well as his service and achievements in the development and management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander archives, libraries, galleries and museums.
