The most difficult thing is to write about the simplest things in life. They, in their simplicity, have a profoundness which almost slips between the words that attempt to capture them.
As we sat down to review the submissions for this issue, which had a focus on intersectionality, we realised that we had stepped in a zone of existence that has been rarely considered. Brown existence is primarily understood as a function of the geographical location and/or to the colour of the skin. But is not limited by it. Gender, class and other factors weigh in too. Our theme was an invitation to writers and artists to unravel their life experiences and pick out the pearls of brown consciousness.
Seems like a simple task to do, specially if one considers oneself as ‘brown’ and/or feels being more than only ‘brown’ in one’s identity. We assume there are bountiful of stories- in words and images – that can be penned down. There are possibly. The trick is to translate an experience -from real life or from the realms of the imagination – into tangible words that will evoke emotions in the readers as these experiences. It is this translation that is the challenge.
At the intersection of facts and imagination, The Brown Issue of The Pine Cone Review comes alive. Karen Boissonneault-Gauthier’s stunning visual art, Warmth, forms the cover art of this issue. She is our artist In Focus for this issue.
From the self-reflexive poetry of Babitha Marina Justin to the unique photography of Pradyumna Khan, this issue packs together works by Rahana K. Ismail, Sherwin Altarez Mapanoo, Ajanta Paul, Juanita Rey, Pragya Suman, Ruud van Weerdenburg, Geetha Nair, Abdulrazaq Salihu, Corina Meitz and Bianca Cosar, Gitanjali Joshua, Arya F. Jenkins, Derek Kannemeyer, Dr. Muhsina K, Ismail, Kanwar Sonali Jolly Wadhwa, Antara Mukherjee and Kavita Ezekiel Mendoca, besides showcasing works by the Editors.
Without the undying support of Khusi Pattanayak and Candice Louisa Daquin, my fellow editors, this issue would not have seen the light of the day. Gratitude.
The Pine Cone Review Editorial Team hopes that this issue is fodder for thought and inspiration in this new year.
Best wishes
Susmita Paul
Editor-in-Chief
The Pine Cone Review
*** Digital artworks, beside the featured visual artworks by the three different artists, are creations of Susmita Paul***
The Pine Cone Review 