John Lee Talks to PSFK

John Lee is co-founder of Theme Magazine - a regular on the PSFK coffee table and one of the most important magazines distributing ideas around global arts and culture out now. With its focus on Asian culture, we thought we’d catch up with John to see how the magazine is doing and what pressing changes he sees taking place in Asia.

How’s Theme? What’s the current issue on? And the next one?

Theme is going very well, as is our sister company, emeht (the other side of Theme), which is the agency side of our business. The current issue that’s on newsstands is Do Good! It’s our issue on social and environmental initiatives. The next issue, which is at the printers as we speak is themed I WANT. That is our consumer culture issue. The one we’re working on for February (we’re going bimonthly starting that issue), is Rebel.

As someone who actively monitors the region, what’s the big change(s) you’re noticing in terms of creativity in Asia? What’s driving this change on a cultural level?

The biggest thing on people’s minds is the Olympics. Even the most creative folks that live and work on the peripheries of alternative cultures are holding their collective breaths for the Summer. Look for a Theme issue on the Olympics in the Summer.

What/who are a few of the artists/musicians/brands that are embracing the changes in Asia and its identity and promoting innovation and creativity in the region? (In other words - who/what is turning you on right now?)

There are a lot of folks doing great things right now. This is what we do every issue is identify people that inspire and create. Personally I am very excited by Kenya Hara’s interview of Naoto Fukasawa in our December issue.

Thanks, John!

Theme Magazine