This is AG23. More specifically it's Issue One of AG23.

'What is AG23?' I hear you ask. AG23 is a collaboration between Dan Milnor of Blurb Books and Rick Elder of Beyond Clothing. They describe it as a project "to promote understanding through dialogue and art." In a world that feels more divided than at any time that I can remember anything that promotes understanding can only be a good thing.

If their description is a little nebulous for you, I would describe AG23 as a taster plate for the work of other creatives. The important thing for me is that these creatives could be anywhere on the planet. Although I enjoy seeing the work of artists in the USA or Europe, at a time when many of us aren't travelling, it's particularly interesting to see work from other parts of the world. Inevitably for the first issue, the contributors seem to be artists who the editors, Dan & Rick, already knew. However, they have invited submissions for future editions, so I'm sure they'll be even more diverse.

The projects that most attracted my attention in this issue are Andrew Kaufman's twelve-year(!) project documenting the construction of the new Panama Canal and Charlene Winfred's work from Iraqi Kurdistan.

Interestingly, the editors haven't chosen to feature Andrew Kaufman's photography as such - bearing in mind he is a photographer. They've shown pages from his journals, which do include photography but also wonderfully colourful sketches and notes. As someone who has started and stopped journaling several times, I found the glimpse into the working notes of such an accomplished artist a real thrill. They had me going to Andrew's website to see if I could see more (there are some) - which I guess is the intention. I'd like to pick up a copy of the book, The Isthmus, about the Panama canal project when funds permit.

Charlene Winfred writes about her work for a charity in Iraqi Kurdistan. She reflects on how so much of what she sees reminds her of her childhood in Malaysia. I've not had the opportunity to visit Asia, so all of this was new to me. I find the middle-east particularly fascinating and would love the chance to at some point, although Iraq seems unlikely! I'm drawn to the open spaces in her photographs. Living as we do on the edge of London, space is at a premium. The treeless plains of Iraq are so at odds with the vivid green of autumnal England I see outside my window as I write this. I've subscribed to Charlene's blog on her website - I'd recommend it.

One thing I haven't told you about AG23 is the price, it's free! All you pay is the shipping. The first issue arrived in a lovely fabric slipcase, I assume made by Beyond. I can see that being repurposed to hold my soon to be (re)started journal. The only downside is that shipping is only available in the USA. I'm not sure why but I hope this is something they'll be able to address for future issues. A friend in Texas kindly forwarded my copy, but I wouldn't feel comfortable taking that liberty too often.

That's AG23. Get your copy of Issue One while it's still available.

Dan Milnor’s films profiling some of the contributors.

Andrew Kaufman / Charlene Winfred

And as always, let's be careful out there.