The Shoppinghour Ideal
An experiment; an attempt to unshackle the intellect from the restrictive disciplinary processes of specialization, and to celebrate unbridled interdisciplinary discourses - the harmonious coexistence and perhaps even coalescence (or perhaps contamination) of philosophy with literature, politics and art. The ridiculous, the absurd, and even the irrational, are treated with respect; whilst established everyday norms are challenged for simply being too suspicious. This celebration, this spontaneous and fortuitous event, is called Shoppinghour; an event that provides access, a platform, for anyone interested in starting a discussion, anyone eager to share and exchange their thoughts, without restrictions: an intellectual liberation that dares to creatively approach matters of urgent political and cultural relevance with a respect that never takes itself too seriously.
The history
In 2007 Yasushi and a group of Goldsmiths students initiated a zine called Immanuel Can which was primarily distributed at Goldsmiths. Four issues were released until it concluded itself and maintained its dignity as the cult happening of its time and place. A year later, inspired by Immanuel Can, Peter initiated a publication that would continue its legacy, but that would reflect his own creative input and context. As a result, Shoppinghour turned out very different from Immanuel Can, but retained a distinct aroma and charm that was initially very similar. Two issues of Shoppinghour had circulated and only limited copies printed, yet, even in their initial small scale release, the feedback was very positive and enthusiastic. At this point, Yasushi joined Peter and together they formed a creative partnership of culture mobilizing that would spawn many projects. Issue 3 was the first issue that Peter and Yasushi edited together. With their combined perspectives they finely tuned Shoppinghour to be more accessible and punchy whilst maintaining its intellectual sophistication and raw ‘underground’ feel. The strong reception that followed the release of issues 3 and 4, and its support from the many collaborators and contributors, initiated a new direction for Shoppinghour involving a more consistent and refined (yet still ever so outrageous) attitude.
Why 'Shoppinghour'?
The title, Shoppinghour, is an obscure pun of the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, just as Immanuel Can was of the philosopher Immanuel Kant. There is a satirical element of anti-ness to Shoppinghour from which its subtle humour stems from. We freely contradict and challenge ourselves, doubting, as well as celebrating, our efforts. We celebrate such disciplines as philosophy, art, and literature, but also freely question and doubt, and perhaps even ridicule, their sternness in some cases. The title obviously also references the commodification of such disciplines; it almost sounds like a really badass online gift shop. The creative arts and humanities have become increasingly transformed into objects of the market. We aim to critique this transformation, exploit its good points, and question its commercialisation. Lastly, Shoppinghour suggests the idea of a 'shopping spree', a spree for enthusiastic and exciting ideas, expressions that are often left hidden under the loud cries of the commercial market.
Our aim
We invite writers and artists who are experts in their fields to contribute their thoughts alongside ideas by individuals who are not necessarily 'philosophers' or 'artists' in any specific institutional sense. Our ethos is that everyone can be a philosopher or artist. We push for a communal celebratory feel, promoting free expression and communication between individuals of diverse academic fields, ages, and perspectives. Our hope is that, by emphasizing different socio-political matters, we can start conversations that are as interesting as they are relevant.
The contributors
Our contributors are mostly students or professors of the arts and humanities. However, we also receive contributions from everyone and anyone who is interested in taking part. We anchor our themes by presenting pieces by individuals who are established in their fields. Thus far, we have had contributions from such notable figures as Professor John Hutnyk of the Centre of Cultural Studies at Goldsmiths College, Professor Antonis Balasopoulos of the Department of English Studies at the University of Cyprus, Qalandar Bux Memon founder of Naked Punch, and cultural provocateurs Pat and Trevor. We hope to expand our contributors gradually whilst preserving the free-spirited and never-too-serious open-to-all ethos of Shoppinghour and encouraging for a level of sophistication and maturity that treats its theme with respect.
Distribution
We currently distribute 1000 printed copies per issue via the Don't Panic packs to their Arts outlets:
Galleries: AMUTi Gallery, Aquarium, Basement Gallery, Brick Lane Gallery, Bodhi, Candid Arts Trust, Horse Hospital, Jerwood Space, Kemistry, Nancy Victor Gallery, New Cross Gallery, PYMCA, Rivington Place, South London Gallery, Vegas Gallery, Whitechapel Art Gallery, Flowers East
Theatres: The Barbican, The Kings Head, Menier Chocolate Factory, Tricycle Theatre
Cinemas: Chelsea Cinema, Clapham Picture House, Curzon Cinema Mayfair, Curzon Cinema Soho, Gate Cinema, ICA - Institute of Contemporary Arts, Prince Charles Cinema, Renoir Cinema, Ritzy & Ritzy Caf, Ritzy Cinema, Screen on Baker St, Screen on the Green, Rich Mix, Trafalgar Studios
All issues are distributed online:
Website: www.shoppinghour.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shoppinghour
Issuu: issuu.com/shoppinghour
Further, we try to push Shoppinghour on a global scale, with contacts in Japan, Cyprus, New York, Norway, Denmark and the Czech Republic. And finally, the most personal and fun distribution method is through word-of-mouth and hand-to-hand.
Funding
Shoppinghour is currently self-funded. However, we are seeking like-minded sponsors and funding prospects.