228 x 292 mm, 140 pages Montreal, Canada (French and English-language) Triannual, since 1984 Editor: Sylvette Babin Design: Feed Canadian arts magazine Esse covers contemporary visual, digital and performance art from Quebec, Canada, and beyond. Its mission is ‘to publish a socially engaged magazine by addressing ethical reflections and the major changes that result.’ This latest issue, themed ‘Handi Crip’, examines the reappropriation of the term ‘crip’—an abbreviation of ‘cripple’ and the French translation of ‘queer’—which has evolved beyond its stigmatised and diminutive origins to become a powerful tool of political empowerment, identity and artistic practice. Exploring how ‘crip’ artists and writers navigate and express the unique challenges they face, this issue considers non-normative approaches to creativity, critiques ableist attitudes within art institutions—both in terms of accessibility and representation—and calls for greater visibility and recognition. Rather than proposing solutions, this issue of Esse seeks to contribute meaningful perspectives that generate necessary conversations and, ultimately, celebrate ‘crip joy’. Featuring essays, articles, and critical reflections on ‘crip’ experiences, the issue highlights artists working across moving image, performance, installation, photography, sculpture, digital media and more. esse.ca
