Mousse #90 – The Fiction Issue

Mousse celebrates its 90th issue with a collectible edition, with a special design and format, entirely focused on fiction.

Dear readers,
Why fiction? Because "the problematic implies a terrain to be shared under the aegis of perplexity," as philosopher Isabelle Stengers points out in her 2023 book Making Sense in Common—a title it would be tempting to steal for this occasion. And because stories help us "to make sense of the world and to act in it," writes Christina Sharpe in Ordinary Notes (2023).
When we claim that fiction is, quite literally, fiction, we might be wide of the mark. Working with an inventory of emotions, fiction weaves through the heart's geographies: storms of the century, crying stars, hummable moods that wash over us, highs so high and lows so low we renegotiate cans and cannots. Fiction itches us to get away, while its stoking fire lures us to stay a little longer. Is it about practicing character development? Playing our own shrink? Adding a spring to our step? Articulating the impossible in times of adversity? In the name of whatever it is, fiction has a distinctive way to kiss and tell.
Bringing together a cohort of writers and artists, Mousse #90 – The Fiction Issue stems from the eponymous Fiction column that has dwelled in our pages for five years, and expands its scope. It was developed together with Rosanna McLaughlin, Skye Arundhati Thomas, and Izabella Scott, who collectively coedited the art and literature quarterly The White Review between 2021 and 2023.
Here you'll find reprints from both Mousse and The White Review as well as new stories and translations we have jointly commissioned. Seven interludes, intended to open up other worlds through images, feature portfolios of drawings by Atelier dell'Errore, Michael E. Smith, Camille Henrot, Michael Landy, Simone Forti, Adelaide Cioni, and Evelyn Taocheng Wang.
What does it mean when we say that fiction has more than meets the eye? It might suggest that, as writer and artist Pierre Guyotat had it, we must "try in jolts, so awkward, to take heart."

Mousse is a bimonthly contemporary art magazine. Established in 2006, Mousse contains interviews, conversations, and essays by some of the most important figures in international criticism, visual arts, and curating today, alternated with a series of distinctive articles in a unique tabloid format.
Mousse (Mousse Publishing) also publishes numerous catalogues, essays and curatorial projects, artist books and editions (see the corresponding publisher's page).

pre-order wishlist

2025 (publication expected by 1st quarter)

English edition

23,5 x 32 cm (softcover)

336 pages (ill.)

16.00 €

forthcoming

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