Afterall Journal Marks 20 Years with Issue 48, Reflecting on Decolonial Shift and Global Art Discourse

Charles Esche, co-founder of Afterall, reflects on the journal's 20th anniversary in Issue 48, published on July 1, 2019. The foreword traces its origins in London, where Esche and Mark Lewis launched it to critique late 20th-century art writing, emphasizing social and political analysis alongside artistic expression. Initially influenced by neoliberal critiques and based at Central Saint Martins, the journal evolved from an Anglospheric focus to embrace decolonial thought through partnerships with institutions like CalArts, M HKA, and NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. These collaborations expanded coverage to include First Nations artists, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, moving away from mainstream art world institutions. Issue 48 features seven archival texts and seven new essays, highlighting artists such as Kerry James Marshall and Inji Efflatoun, while exploring themes like extractivism and post-Soviet conditions. The journal aims to discuss art's role in societal transformation, supported by funders and editorial colleagues, with gratitude expressed to departing publishing director Caroline Woodley.