A Strange and Offensive Blend of Art, Design and Porn
Written: Jun 24 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Art, Interior Design
Cons: Expensive, Raw, Offensive
The Bottom Line: I can't recommend Nest based on its offensive content which is too bad, the artistic portions are really excellent.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Nest Magazine |
It is hard to describe Nest because it really defies classification. It isn't really a design magazine or a life magazine. However, I can start my description with one tantalizing taste: the cover of a recent issue of Nest had 10 breasts (two real and 8 cartoon) and a little nest of pubic hair. Ready to move on? In the same issue, there are two pages that feature the contributors to the magazine. Unlike mainstream magazines, there are no black and white glossies with upbeat biographies of the contributors. Instead, Nest has drawn its contributors into cartoons where they are in racy sexual positions wearing thongs, pasties, chains, garters, spiky heels and a few other things I won't mention.
WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT (ADULTS ONLY)
I am not sure what Nest is supposed to be other than a bohemian sort of cutting edge art magazine. It is purposefully offensive in so many diverse ways it is sure to make you toss down the magazine in disgust several times. However, if you can move past the offensive content, Nest is probably the most artistic magazine I have ever read.
Since the offensive content is probably the most interesting thing about the magazine, I can start my description there. Nothing is off limits. Religion is a big target and no religion is left untouched. In one issue, Nest explores various stereotypes of each religion. In another issue, the editors congratulate themselves for not having any woman contributors to that issue.
SAMPLE CONTENT
Here is a rundown of some sample content from the last few issues:
Fall 2003: This is the self-described T&A issue. The editors state that sex sells and have filled the magazine with T&A references. In addition to the T&A, there is an interesting article on a house in London filled with fretwork. The magazine added an artistic overlay to the photos of the house and the whole feature is interesting to view, although there is little text. Actress Amy Sedaris is featured, along with the interior of her home filled with antiques, collectibles and junk. Interestingly, Todd Oldham designed a piece for her home. Amy is featured wearing a bra and panties that look like they came from K*Mart in a less than flattering pose (I guess that is what makes it art and not porn). A tomb in Budapest is also briefly discussed with several pages of interesting photos. This is also a highly offensive feature articles that discusses Hitler's rooms, complete with photos, and provides a lot of text analyzing his decorating choices.
Spring 2004: This issue has Jesus on the cover and is filled with religious references. One feature has cartoons showing various religious stereotypes. The Catholic family has lots of kids. The Muslims live in a house decorated wtih weapons. You get the idea. Another feature shows homes in Northern Kenya. The photography is very good although the text is lacking in both content and substance. There is also an interesting piece on Cushman Colonial Furniture with several old photos.
Summer 2004: The theme of this issue is the American Landscape. The top of the magazine is cut to resemble a mountain range. Oddly, the first article features a photo spread of India. The photography is disappointing and at best, looks like a good amateur's photos from a vacation. There is a cartoon picture of Monticello that clearly plays off Jefferson's extracurricular activities with slaves. There are also some black and white photos of Monticello but none really capture the beauty of the place.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE NEST
There are no other magazines out there quite like Nest. Each issue is starkly different from the last one and it is hard to even classify Nest into a particular genre. When it shows up in my mail box, I have no idea what will be inside.
The artistic content is really interesting, unique, clever and well-done. If it were not for the offensive content (see discussion above and below) the magazine would be a great conversation piece on the coffee table and would have lasting value.
WHAT I ABHOR ABOUT NEST
I can't move past the offensive content. The article complimenting Hitler as an interior designer was probably the one that did it for me. In my view, you can be counter-culture or whatever Nest is trying to be, while still realizing that a murderer on the magnitude of Hitler has no redeeming feature that can make up for the loss of millions of lives. On this basis alone, I can't renew my subscription.
My other thought is that Nest simply moves down the list of offensive topics in an effort to attract attention to itself - much like a two-year-old crying and stomping in the midst of a tantrum. Sure, I could get a lot of attention for writing a tome denigrating world religions but I would rather be known for bigger and better ideas even if publishing them didn't bring about instant gratification in the way of attention. I personally think Nest's pre-programmed offensive content brings the magazine to such a low that the artistic content can't redeem it. It takes a big person to stand up for the right things. Anyone can thrash about in the gutter. The editors of Nest should learn that recycling old ideas of prejudice and intolerance, whether it is intended to be tongue-in-cheek or not, is cliche and not counter-revolutionary. If they dropped the intentionally offensive content, they would probably find a receptive and repetitive audience for their artistic endeavors.
There is content in Nest that I don't want my children to see. Nest's bad taste in denigrating religion, nationalities, women and just about anything else our society typically values. While I know my children don't live in a Pollyanna world, I doubt they could understand Nest's purposes in pumping out offensive works of art (especially when I don't see it myself).
ADVERTISEMENTS
There are several mainstream advertisers in Nest including such stores at Target. However, even these advertisements are racy. There is one for Target, but it doesn't feature the blushing bride, oreo cookies or Tide. Presumably, it is created for Nest. An ad for Kate Spade features a purse next to a woman's feet. The woman is wearing purple fishnet stockings, pink open-toe shoes and is sitting on a toilet. Clearly, this is not the refined Kate Spade in Architectural Digest.
In addition to the mainstream advertisers, there are also a lot of smaller companies and products. Most of the ads and some of the featured products are unique in Nest. In any case, advertising makes up a much smaller percentage of pages than many other mainstream magazines. Perhaps this explains the high cover price.
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Nest is published 4 times a year. It arrives in a plastic bag. The pages are very heavy stock with glossy pictures. The cover price is $12.95. The magazine offers a one year, four issue, subscription for $35 although it can be found cheaper at magazine sites such as ValueMags.com or Magazine Values.com.
RESALE VALUE
Nest crows about the fact that its issues have resale value and are routinely sold for a profit. I don't have time at the moment to resell my magazines and I don't know about resale value. I held on to my issues to write this review but will probably drop them in the trash eventually.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I wish I could like Nest however I can't move past some of the offensive content that litters each issue. It is too bad, because the artistic content is sometimes extremely well done.
MY REVIEWS ABOUT DESIGN MAGAZINES
Architectural Digest is decorating porn.
Elle Decor is sultry.
House & Garden is pretentious.
Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion is artsy.
Home is practical.
Metropolitan Home is modern and spare.
Dwell is intellectual modernism.
Better Homes and Gardens has something for everyone.
Budget Living is tacky.
Recommended:
No
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modernmarvel
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