P002 — To Crash
2024To Crash emerged as a singular exploration of a verb that pulses with complexity, destruction, and unexpected narratives. Born from a fascination with interconnected worlds of finance, motorsport, and technology, this one-off magazine edition delves into the multifaceted meaning of crashing – a term that carries inherent negativity but conceals profound stories of human experience. Spanning three distinct realms – financial, vehicular, and digital – the publication unravels crashes as more than mere moments of impact. From the harrowing Wall Street market collapse of 2007–2008 to Fernando Alonso’s spectacular Formula 1 barrel roll, and the infamous Blue Screen of Death, each page explores the nuanced landscapes where systems, machines, and human ambitions dramatically fall apart.
Meticulously crafted, the magazine becomes a visual and narrative journey through controlled chaos. An interview with Michael Bury, the financial prophet who anticipated the subprime mortgage crisis, sits alongside a schematic of crash test dummies. Personal belongings scattered at the MH17 wreckage site contrast with technical insights on resurrecting a PlayStation 3 through the unconventional method of motherboard baking. Every design choice tells a story. The vibrant Mandarin orange paper from GF Smith echoes the visceral colours of crashes – fiery red of trading losses and yellow of crash test markers. Typography and layout are calculated with mathematical precision, creating a deliberate counterpoint to the unpredictability of crashes themselves.
More than a publication, this is a deeply personal exploration. It’s a love letter to the intricate, often brutal systems that shape our world, inviting readers to witness the moments when carefully constructed realities spectacularly fall apart. Through To Crash, I’ve shared my perspectives on interconnectedness, vulnerability, and the thin line between control and complete breakdown.