Midway Zine by Essence Enwere
This piece was featured in the February 2024 issue of The Fore Edge, a quarterly newsletter from MCBA that highlights new artist’s books and zines for collections, universities, and libraries. If you are interested in receiving this newsletter, there is a sign up available here. Past featured pieces can be viewed here.
“Midway is a photo & poetry zine designed by Essence Sonata Enwere in 2023. Essence shot the images found within the zine while riding the Amtrak train going from Minneapolis to Chicago. Their rule was to only take photos while the train was moving to add to its narrative. There is more to Midway than simply a physical journey through the Midwest countryside; it is also a narrative journey about rediscovering one's self through the mundanity of life. Essence pays tribute to and records a style of life that we are rapidly losing as a society. Midway is meant to look surreal & feel almost fake, nostalgic despite the fact you have never been. They aimed for this piece to reflect the quiet mundanity & glory of the lost Midwest, these moments are midway between city to city and reflect the pulse of humanity just as much as a lit-up skyline. Midway represents being midway between hustle & bustle so you find yourself through the quiet.“ -Essence Enwere
9.75” x 6.75”
*Consignment item. Not eligible for 10% membership discount. All consignment purchases are final and non-refundable once shipped.
This piece was featured in the February 2024 issue of The Fore Edge, a quarterly newsletter from MCBA that highlights new artist’s books and zines for collections, universities, and libraries. If you are interested in receiving this newsletter, there is a sign up available here. Past featured pieces can be viewed here.
“Midway is a photo & poetry zine designed by Essence Sonata Enwere in 2023. Essence shot the images found within the zine while riding the Amtrak train going from Minneapolis to Chicago. Their rule was to only take photos while the train was moving to add to its narrative. There is more to Midway than simply a physical journey through the Midwest countryside; it is also a narrative journey about rediscovering one's self through the mundanity of life. Essence pays tribute to and records a style of life that we are rapidly losing as a society. Midway is meant to look surreal & feel almost fake, nostalgic despite the fact you have never been. They aimed for this piece to reflect the quiet mundanity & glory of the lost Midwest, these moments are midway between city to city and reflect the pulse of humanity just as much as a lit-up skyline. Midway represents being midway between hustle & bustle so you find yourself through the quiet.“ -Essence Enwere
9.75” x 6.75”
*Consignment item. Not eligible for 10% membership discount. All consignment purchases are final and non-refundable once shipped.
This piece was featured in the February 2024 issue of The Fore Edge, a quarterly newsletter from MCBA that highlights new artist’s books and zines for collections, universities, and libraries. If you are interested in receiving this newsletter, there is a sign up available here. Past featured pieces can be viewed here.
“Midway is a photo & poetry zine designed by Essence Sonata Enwere in 2023. Essence shot the images found within the zine while riding the Amtrak train going from Minneapolis to Chicago. Their rule was to only take photos while the train was moving to add to its narrative. There is more to Midway than simply a physical journey through the Midwest countryside; it is also a narrative journey about rediscovering one's self through the mundanity of life. Essence pays tribute to and records a style of life that we are rapidly losing as a society. Midway is meant to look surreal & feel almost fake, nostalgic despite the fact you have never been. They aimed for this piece to reflect the quiet mundanity & glory of the lost Midwest, these moments are midway between city to city and reflect the pulse of humanity just as much as a lit-up skyline. Midway represents being midway between hustle & bustle so you find yourself through the quiet.“ -Essence Enwere
9.75” x 6.75”
*Consignment item. Not eligible for 10% membership discount. All consignment purchases are final and non-refundable once shipped.
Essence Enwere is queer & black graphic designer, photographer, and book artist based in the Twin Cities focused on typography, social commentary, and deep connections to humanity. Essence's goal is to create work that provokes social impact and sparks conversation; Essence aims to make the audience reflect and start a dialogue with themselves. As a whole Essence is about expanding on what people have never seen before, creating new insights and conversations, and doing so with high integrity.
Instagram: @E_Bylon
