Lucy Watson (she/her)

Aotearoa (New Zealand) is facing a cultural crisis as third places like bars and clubs become increasingly scarce; and what’s left of them is devastatingly expensive. There is a bigger problem than the economic impact –argues writer Lucy Watson– being that the lack of communal spaces dramatically diminishes the social lives of young people and the LGBTQ+ community. Supported with a photo series by a powerhouse team of creatives, Lucy paints a picture of an Aotearoa in desperate need of safe spaces to gather and thrive.

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Joella Marcus (she/her)

A striking multi-instrumentalist with rare musical talent, Sarah Levins’ vision for music transcends individual songs, inviting listeners into a world of delicate emotions and raw vulnerability. With a background in operatic classical voice and training in piano, guitar, and vocals, music has been the thread connecting many of Sarah Levins’ milestones. 

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Edie Hopgood (she/her) and Ella Bryson-Sabec (she/her)

It’s no secret that Melbourne Fashion Week is one of Naarm’s most anticipated events. Falling at the centrefold of the Australian fashion scene, passion oozes from every single corner of this event - from the volunteers and employees, to the attendees, to the media to, of course, the fashion designers. A hub for creativity, expression and storytelling - the week consecutively boasts an impressive line up of both established and emerging talents, intersecting the lines of art and fashion. 

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Juliette Salom (she/her)

In the lead up to the release of her sophomore album, stop and smell the lightning, musician, artist, designer and one of the hardest working musos in the country, Annie Hamilton, catches up with Demure writer Juliette Salom to chat all things writing songs on the move, finding confidence in oneself and, of course, lightning bolts.

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Aideen Gallagher (she/her)

Presented by the collective from Out To Lunch Theatre and directed by Ez Kenworthy, Gruesome Playground Injuries is an emotional tidal storm set across a 30-year period. Equally as dark as it is funny, this fast-paced production is an assortment of agile costume changes, non-linear time jumps and bloodied bandages with powerful performances from acting duo Eliza Learmonth and Jay Gold.

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Gemma Hassall (they/she)

The process of forging the path as an artist is one that requires perseverance and passion. However, for the most part, it is persistence and a great deal of second guessing. Aleijah (she/her) aka Blush has much to share on this subject, she has been a musician for almost a decade, has worked on multiple musical projects, and is currently preparing an EP scheduled to release in March next year. Aleijah and Gemma Hassall (they/she) began by speaking about her background, and her experience forging her path as a musician.

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Joella Marcus (she/her)

Local Sydneysiders Pia and Eva are the founding members of To Be Read Book Club; The two met in highschool and reconnected whilst studying the same degree at university. Amid 2023, To Be Read Club emerged when Pia and Eva began to connect over books, halfway across the world from each other and thought that maybe others could too? Or even better all in the same room.

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Zoe Sorenson (she/her)

Zoe is an editor and writer who lives and works on Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung Country in Naarm/Melbourne. ‘Chasing butterflies’ explores the confusion, excitement and frustration that come with trying to navigate feelings and people and desperately grasping at something that feels forever just out of reach.

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Joella Marcus (she/her)

UnWrapped’s Plagiary asks ‘What happens when artificial intelligence is calling the creative shots?’. The immersive work combines contemporary dance, animated visuals, A.I. and 10 live performers in a bold new exploration of form and live performance experience. Plagiary cracks open a space to deepen our knowledge of embodiment. It champions the human body as one of the final entities untouched by artificial intelligence. A new show is improvised each night from scratch, as ten exceptional contemporary dancers become vessels for unpredictable directives, dictated by a computer voice presence.

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George Tzintzis (he/him)

George Tzintzis is a gay Greek psychic (and not in that particular order) living in Naarm/Melbourne, who likes to talk to the Universe while eating blueberry danishes and sipping on strong coffee. George’s piece Life After Life depicts the challenges he has faced as a gay Greek and how he has navigated an estranged relationship with his grandmother.

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Written and Interviewed by Joella Marcus (she/her)

Intimate ballads and pop-rock bangers. Maia Toakley and her band are on a roll. The release of her brooding pop track ‘Pessimist Babe’ follows a hugely impactful year of cutting her teeth in the Sydney/Eora live music scene and recently being selected to take part in the APRA AMCOS 23% Mentorship program with Jade Nazareth from One Louder. In 2023, she was one of SydneyMusic.net’s ‘Hardest Gigging Artists’ and she’s well on track again, we’re just over halfway through this year and Maia already has 20 shows under her belt. The singer-songwriter has played on lineups with Missy Higgins, opened for Sons Of The East, Kingswood, Adam Newling & Maple Glider, and most recently went on tour with Sydney’s king of alt-country Andy Golledge. 

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga (she/her)

The Pinstripes are back in action!

After years apart geographically, with trio members Hettie (she/her), Isabella (she/her) and Sunny (she/her) all living in different locations around the world, the band is back together. Lucia chatted to the trio about their beginnings, where they are at now, and their upcoming show.

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Written by Caitlin Cefai (she/her)

Parminder Kaur Bhandal (she/her) adorns her friend’s faces with flowers, records her travels on film cameras, and writes poetry about love. She spoke to Demure writer Caitlin Cefai (she/her) about being a creative force, the way nature can heal trauma, and what it took to put on her community play ‘Inner Sanctuary’.

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Interviewed by Lillian O'neill (she/her)

Huda The Goddess (Huda Fadlelmawla) is a multi-faceted creative and academic based out of Meanjin, and is someone who’s work, Lillian believes, offers meaning to anyone who witnesses it. After winning the National Final in the 2021 Australian Poetry Slam, Huda’s career has been steered to prioritise her work as an improvised spoken poet and creating spaces for women of colour to feel inspired to do what they want to do – to ‘make that decision’.

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Monique Marani (she/her)

Maybe we could all love somebody enough to sleep next to them in Summer and make them eggs in the morning," Marani writes, "but Winter is when we substitute all that easy affection for a crueller but wiser kind of tenderness which emphasises fun rather than limits it.”

It's Winter in Melbourne, and writer Monique Marani wants you to know that she has wrapped her heart around it: this territory of the young, the beautiful, and the clever. Tracing the cold days, the wind, certain parties, and particular people, her ode to the fast nights that accompany the cooler seasons reads like a wink at you from across the party as she draws on her coat by the door.

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Wrtten by Joella Marcus (she/her)

Christiana is the founder and owner of a micro-business, Ard, that specialises in plant-based bakes inspired by her Lebanese heritage. Ard (ﺃَﺭﺽ) means earth in Arabic - ingredients from mother earth. “The journey in the kitchen brought my two worlds together: my lebanese culture and my passion for health, wellbeing, sustainability and all sentient beings”

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Written by Eloise Moran (she/her)

Summoned to the ever-evolving Naarm music scene is a musician/producer whose sonic landscapes transcend the ordinary. They weave together an avant-pop sound with romantic ambience and blend the unconventional with the sublime gracing our ears with the sound that we now know as LOUV.

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Written by Joella Marcus (she/her)

In a time of constant flux, where grand pronouncements about the state of the future are ever pervasive, embracing ambiguity and seeking knowledge outside of the hegemonic framework becomes increasingly important. Multifutures, the multimedia group exhibition hosted at the Bankstown Arts Centre, presents a visually rich display that embeds migrant communities and their respective artistic practices in future narratives.

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Lily Davidson (she/her)

Lily (she/her) is a writer in Naarm and a convict-descendant from lutruwita/Tasmania. She is deeply occupied with the weathered beauty of he hometown larapuna/Bay of Fires and the ancient tales etched into the land, yet how this intersects with a story of brutal and ongoing colonialism, and where she can contribute as a transient being in this complex web.

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Written by Ella Bryson (she/her)

Knows, No’s, Nose. A comedy genre play all about clowns. In Knows, No’s, Nose two clowns contemplate the complexities of clowning whilst living together in their share house. After seeing the show, Ella Bryson spoke with the creative team about the behind the scenes of putting together a comedy play.

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Written by Eloise Moran (she/her)

Emerging from a ‘love affair’ with the act of making, Django Nicol (he/him), moulds together the sumptuous and vivacious delicacy of designs that is Octopussay. Categorised as demi-couture costumery, the Naarm-based dressmaker explores the intricate nuances of dress codes, pushing the boundaries of traditional attire. Permeating in a space that is heavily influenced by subcultures, Django is guided by those who came before him, imparting the all-important skills and wisdom of garment making and fashion design.

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Interviewed by Gemma Hassall (they/she)

Musician Taylah Carroll (she/her) is an ethereal force on the Naarm music scene at the moment. She spoke to Demure writer Gemma Hassall (she/they) about her musical craft, her writing journey and how she captures a raw sense of vulnerability and emotion in her songs and performances.

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Written by Juliette Salom (she/her)

Visual art and music work in tandem with each other for Meanjin-based musician Clea (she/her). Speaking from her farmhouse property in the Scenic Rim region at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, where the magic behind Clea’s music is made, the singer-songwriter chats to Demure writer Juliette Salom (she/her) about her latest album, Idle Light, and all things that are the catalyst of creative inspiration for this remarkably unique Australian musician making waves in the sonic universe.

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Anna Mensing (she/her)

In this mixed media project, German artist and photographer Anna Mensing shares an extremely personal journey of her friend’s abortion, adorned with her deepest thoughts and emotions. Together, they created a project transcending mere documentation, aiming to normalize abortion discourse and shed light on the pain - physically and mentally.

Content Warning: Pregnancy / Abortion / Blood

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Written by Alice Ruby McDonald

Mia Pisano, folk singer and songwriter is forming her own path in the Australian Music landscape. Mia is a bubbly persona based in Naarm who just had her recent television debut on Channel 31 for ‘By Popular Demand’ brought on by Monash University’s Sir Zelmen Cohen’s School of Music.

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Written by Edie Hopgood (she/her) with Mon Barton (she/her)

Communication, however, you partake, is an undeniable bonding force in any relationship. From the sacred interactions with your local barista, to fleeting smiles exchanged with strangers on the street, to the celebrations shared with the ones closest to you - Communication is the beating heart that forms the lifeline for any relationship, as menial or as profound as they may be. Mon is lucky enough to share a deeply special connection with her friend Zoe, whom she refers to as her “platonic soulmate.” Mon and Edie discussed her relationship with Zoe, and how hard they have both worked to form a solid base that has only consolidated their bond.

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Written by Joella Marcus

Max Chahines’ poetic photographic work is a touching exploration of fluid identity moulded by their upbringing as a child of diaspora existing within intersectionalities. Their work guides us on a journey of self-discovery similar to their own, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of seemingly ‘paradoxical’ intersecting identities – “a journey of, what can feel like, all-encompassing displacement and hence, at times, a tumultuous relationship to culture.”

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Written by Juliette Salmon

Speaking to Demure writer Juliette Salom (she/her) from the 339 bus as it traverses the streets of Eora/Sydney on her way to her day job, Lily Keenan (she/her) discusses what it’s like to make a band and make music with your best mates. Influenced by the likes of PJ Harvey, Goat Girl, gothic fiction and old spaghetti westerns, Sweetie’s sound is the kind that’s impossible not to move your body around to.

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Interviewed by Sarah Walliss

Emerging filmmaker from Naarm, Kimmy Nguyen Thoi (she/her), tells stories by drawing from her experiences with navigating cultural identity. She spoke to Demure about her short film ‘Normal Girl’ (2023), a tender and intense coming-of-age story that grapples with the concepts of cultural ambiguity and unnerving self-perception. As her directorial debut, she captures the journey and struggle of a teenager trying to satisfy typical expectations of the ‘perfect, normal girl’.

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Layla Zak-Volpato

At the altar of her life, Layla lays this anthology as an offering to softness, sex, sensitivity, grief and love. Within the last couple of years, she has experienced a dramatic personal shift towards embracing parts of herself that she always felt ashamed of - a propensity to cry often, feel deeply and love hard. ‘On Eating and Being Eaten’ is a dedication both to herself and the turbulent and sublime experiences that have characterised Layla’s early 20s. A prayer and a curse (fist shaken at the sky) and some tender atonement.

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Ava Nunan

Ava Nunan (she/her) is a writer and student living on unceded Wurundjeri land. She is completing her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, double-majoring in creative writing and screen and cultural studies. Her work explores how interpersonal relationships intersect with place, or how place influences human relationships. This piece follows Elizabeth, who is confronting the complexities of her relationship with her father, while she traverses through a valley she frequented with him as a child.

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Laura Thistlethwaite

Growing up in Geelong on Wadawurrung country, the chance to be creative was the most memorable part of Laura’s upbringing. Learning sheet music at the same time she was learning to read, it wasn’t until she started to write music of her own that poetry fell into her lap. These verses speak of growing up, growing out and growing with love; something albeit painful, she is grateful to experience. Told from different points in her life, her poetry aims to shine a light on the non-linear path of growing up.

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Anastasia Dale

Anastasia is a queer writer, artist and student, whose anthology is centred around reflecting on and freeing oneself from the shame that accompanies realising one's own queerness, and recognising queer love & joy as acts of resistance.

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Emma Carter

An Emergency Room of One’s Own embeds and satirises Virginia Woolf’s seminal work on female creativity in the context of Sydney’s Inner West, a relationship running its course and the post-feminist environment. Emma tries to use the specificity of Sydney’s inner-west environment, its affordances and indulgences, as a catalyst for narrative and beauty.

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Written by Juliette Salom

Abella D’Adamo (she/her) is a Naarm-based artist with no one genre or practice to define her work. Experimenting across painting, sculpture, film and modelling, it’s the Japanese style of ‘sex aesthetics’ that Abella’s current art draws influence from, with a recent trip to Tokyo the catalyst of inspiration to much of the artist’s catalogue of work. Speaking to Abella on her way between studios - just after the conclusion of Monash’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) grad work exhibition, where some of Abella’s pieces were shown - Demure writer Juliette Salom (she/her) delves into all things art, Abella and her relationship between erotic imagery and food.

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Interviewed by Lillian O’neill

In the world we now live in, everything is instant. The digital era has taken over, and is now, undoubtably, an intimate part of our culture and everyday life. From social media to the more recent introduction of AI, technology has been advancing in leaps and bounds – but where does this place us and our humanity? It is a harsh reality that many of us feel disconnected from the world around us, as we connect with the life inside our screens. One person who has recognised this disconnect is Visaya Hoffie (she/her), an artist whose work entertains themes of communal disengagement in attempts to create a gateway for more connected perceptions.

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga

Demure got talking to activist and rising star - in acting and now writing - Zoe Terakes (they/he) about their new book, Eros: Queer Myths for Lovers. Eros is a collection of short stories with each recounting different queer Greek myths; grounded in truth, and coloured in with detail and a creativity unique to Zoe. They describe the book as glimpses into moments between ancient lovers. In this interview, Zoe talks about the power of language, the intertwining of their queerness with Greekness, and the magnetism of mythological fables.

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Written by Aideen Gallagher

Alix Kuijpers (he/they) is an emerging freelance choreographer, sound designer, and director of 2023 Melbourne Fringe performance, ‘i know the end’. Having had the opportunity to watch and review the performance, Aideen (she/her) reflects on the mystery of queer relationships, both in their daunting nature and joyful shapelessness.

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Written by Isaac Dale

Demure had the amazing opportunity on being invited to this years Melbourne Fashion Week. MFW 2023 was a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture, featuring an array of designers who left an indelible mark on the runway. From the dynamic First Nation creators at the Ganbu Marra showcase to the Y2K-inspired Underground Runway, and the transformative MFW closing event challenging corporate wear norms, the event was a testament to the ever-evolving world of fashion.

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Written by Charlie Stamatogiannis

Melbourne’s Mardi Gras for filmmakers and cinephiles alike, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF), is nearly upon us, commencing Thursday November 9th. MQFF is the biggest and oldest queer film festival in Australia, screening the best Australian/International queer films. Charlie Stamatogiannis (she/they) poured over the program and chatted to a few of the directors whose films made the cut so that you know exactly what not to miss.

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Written by Juliette Salom

Naarm band Jeane’s self-confessed ‘cheeky mantra’ Emotional Baby will be the group’s debut single ahead of an upcoming EP to be released next year. Fronted by Jazz Johnston (she/her), Jeane’s magnetic team also include other musos-about-town Mitch Ansell (he/him), Luke Moseley (he/him) and Lawrence Folvig (he/him). Jazz chats with Demure writer Juliette Salom (she/her) ahead of Jeane’s single release show at Shotkickers in Thornbury on November 9th, discussing all things music, emotions, and making art with your best mates.

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Interviewed by Ella Bryson

Cat and Fish is a play by Luella Fitz (she/her), a Melbourne-based writer and performer. The piece follows the relationship of two people, which is compared to the primal predator-prey relationship between the two animals of its namesake. Now showing at the Motley Bauhaus, the play exhibits so clearly and accurately the pain and hurt when someone you love betrays you, and the suffering and devastation one goes through when their bodily autonomy is taken away from them.

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Interviewed by Sarah Walliss

Tuia Suter and Bella Moretto are a Naarm-based creative duo. They originally connected at Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and since have created several short films together. In August 2023, they directed and produced their first play together: Powder Room. Powder Room explores female friendship and animosity in the rawest and filthiest of locations – a nightclub women’s bathroom. It features a cast and crew of emerging creatives and addresses themes of gender, friendship and sexuality.

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Written and interviewed by Isaac Dale

Demure recognizes and values a renewed sense of appreciation for the unsung heroes working tirelessly to ensure the survival of cinema as an art form. In this interview, Issac Dale (he/him) sits down with Caitlin Pettit (she/her), the visionary Head of Marketing at Cinema Nova, to delve into her unique insights on the evolving landscape of cinema-going.

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Written by Lucy Eidelson, edited by Zari Moss and interviewed by Lucia Droga

Air Hunger is a visceral and intimate dance work, drawing you into the very private world of living in the “night side of life”. The creators and performers come together for the first time to share an intimate, personal representation of hidden chronic illness through the site of the bed. Demure chatted with the show’s creator, director, co-choreographer and performer, Lucy Eidelson (she/they), who is a multi-disciplinary movement artist living and working on Wurundjeri land in Naarm. They speak about the invisibility of chronic illness and translating part of their experience into movement and dance through the show.

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Written by Juliette Salom

Eora-based, Europe-bound musician Annie Hamilton has been on that hot Euro girl summer as much as anyone else. Wrapping up a bunch of co-headline shows all across the continent with fellow Eora band CLEWS, Annie played the final show of the tour in a band room by the River Main in Frankfurt, Germany. A soaring selection of something old, something new and something borrowed, Annie’s show was one that sounded like nothing Demure writer Juliette Salom (she/her) had ever experienced before, while reminding her a whole lot of home.

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Written and interviewed by Aideen Gallagher

Aideen (she/her) has grown used to walking down Smith Street in Collingwood with her head turned slightly left. The Friday evening walk from Alexandra Parade to Belfry Bar is a flip book of microcultures. Receptivity to new ideas is part of Melbourne’s allure. Often, those networks are fostered through groups such as the Emerging Artists Collective, helping to cultivate accessibility for many fledgling creatives. EAC was founded in 2021 by Roberta Govoni, Kat Stevens and George Jefford. Their purpose is to support small-scale creatives by hosting mixed exhibitions, enabling artists to showcase their work and expand their audience. Aideen speaks to several artists whose work were on display at the Belfry’s three-story niche, pieces were curated from the venue’s ground floor and up the narrow staircase.

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Interviewed by Joella Marcus

Mannequin Radio is an Eora/Sydney based band, headed by singer Ruby Beck, who perform theatrically engaging and high energy sets. Originally known for their art-post-punk-esque style, the future of Mannequin Radio holds promise of music as genre ambiguous as their name. With two singles and a music video already under their belt, they are gearing up to head on their first interstate tour in late September after the release of the first single, ‘Rejection’, from their upcoming EP.

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Eloise Moran

This piece is a reflection on a relationship that only revealed its flaws in hindsight but taught so many lessons in such a short time. Eloise is a writer of prose and creative non-fiction. Inspired by heartbreak, healing and navigating adolescence.

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Interviewed by Gemma Hassall

Alena Lodkina (she/her) is a Russian-born Australian who is quickly becoming rising star in filmmaking. Petrol (2022) is Lodkina’s second feature film as writer and director. After viewing the premiere at Carlton’s Nova Cinema, a setting right within the film’s locale, Gemma Hassall (they/she) spoke to Lodkina about the creative choices of writing, shooting and directing Petrol.

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Interviewed by Alice Ruby Mcdonald

A fixture in Naarm’s clubbing scene, K8 M055 (they/them) embraces and embodies their trans awakening through their own grandiose sonic environment. K8 M055 (Tom Bridges) is an established DJ, a feature in the darkwave duo ‘Full Fleshed’ but now Tom has further expanded their visual and musical talent in their solo work as K8 M055. Alice Ruby Mcdonald (she/her) was lucky enough to chat with K8 on this endeavor.

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Interviewed by Edie Hopgood

Along Edie Hopgood's (she/her) journey through discovering her style and advancing her industry experience, there have been many creatives she has discovered that have invigorated her drive and desire to hopefully break into the fashion and culture sphere someday. One of these creators is Sabrina Raso (she/her).

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Interviewed by Juliette Salom

Hailing from the north-eastern suburbs of Naarm, genre-bending musician Tomalia (she/her) reignites her character of the chaotically evil sultress with her new single Modern Romance. Reflecting on modern dating and focusing on the idea of the situationship, Tomalia’s latest release lays the groundwork for the ‘crazy’ character the singer transforms into on stage. Tomalia chats with Demure about her journey into the industry, her musical inspirations, and the singer’s new single.

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Lily-Rose Pouget

The Unfolding is an anthology that experiments with different poetic forms in an effort to document the plasticity of connection. It's always the unfolding and refolding of everything all at once.

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Interviewed by Juliette Salom

Speaking from her bedroom in Wurundjeri Country, surrounded by art posters, guitar picks and oil diffusers, Naarm-based musician Emily Victoria (she/her) chats creative processes, favourite suburbs, and her newest release of music.

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Interviewed by Alice Ruby McDonald

Jake Amy (they/them) is one of the most exciting Naarm keyboardists and composers in the scene right now. Their list of bands and achievements is expansive, so naturally it is perfect timing for their own release, ‘Doom’, to come into play.

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Interviewed by Edie Hopgood

Edie sat down with Billie Barton (she/her) to divulge the journey that was creating Baggins. Baggins is a label specialising in creating handmade bags that are crafted earnestly and ethically using recycled fabrics. Initially sparked in a bid to brighten the moods of friends during the brooding time that was the 2021 COVID-19 lockdowns, Baggins has now grown to enrich and brighten the outfits of many, featuring in pop-up stores in Alice Springs and festival stalls around the territory.

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Miah Argent

This collection is a small glimpse into a life being lived, through heartache and trials all under the guise of growth. Lessons taught by the guidance of both fraternal and maternal voices. Often leaving a mark of their own lives in their teachings. ‘Shin splints’ are a painful part of growing up too fast but ultimately allow you to stand much taller.

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Aiden Gallagher

In this interview-based article with the Naarm-based tattoo artist, producer and writer Madison Griffiths (she/they), frequent Demure writer Aideen Gallagher (she/her) writes about Griffith's creative process and the extraordinary commitment taken to finish their first novel, Tissue. The novel is a meditative, personal look at abortion - a common procedure they describe as ‘championed yet grieved’, they reflect on the associated emotions and experiences faced in its aftermath while unravelling social responses to this politicised act of agency. Interested in the idea that creativity is an inherently vulnerable pursuit, Gallagher and Griffiths explore this vulnerability on both a personal and process-driven level.

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Interviewed by Isaac Dale

In the bustling world of fashion, where trends come and go at lightning speed, there are a few brands that manage to stand out with their distinctive vision and unwavering commitment to their aesthetic. One such brand is Karlaidlaw, founded by the namesake creative force, Karla Laidlaw (she/her). With a childhood passion for creating and an innate sense of style, Karla embarked on a journey to establish her own fashion brand, driven by a desire to offer wearable, comfortable pieces that exude a point of difference. In this exclusive interview behind the scenes of the Fall / Winter 23 photoshoot, we get to sit down behind the scenes as Karla shares her inspirations, design process, and the challenges she has faced in building and growing Karlaidlaw.

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Interviewed by Eliza Callil

Demure chats to Olia Kravchyshyna (she/her), a Ukrainian contemporary multimedia artist born in Kyiv, Ukraine. Olia trained in painting at the Freie Kunstschule Stuttgart in Germany, and received an BFA in Political Science at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Drawing inspiration from myths and fairy tales, Olia creates deeply intimate artworks exploring her inner world and her relationship to femininity. Across painting, sculpture, and video performance, Olia’s work examines and celebrates women’s experiences and sexuality, and advocates for self-love, joy, and tenderness.

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Interviewed by Gemma Hassall

Demure speaks to Nabiha Jamal Merhi (she/her), the first hijab wearing pinup model in Australia. Her Instagram page “The Veiled Vintage” aims to utilize Vintage and Pinup fashion as a means of inspiring and empowering Muslim women to work towards body positivity, inclusivity, autonomy and self- determination. Influenced by the golden age of Hollywood and the glamour of 1950’s vintage fashion, Nabiha creates looks that intersect the Hijab with vintage pieces, and what emerges from these are looks that encapsulate and accentuate the agency, shape and essence of what she believes Muslim woman should celebrate about themselves.

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Quinn Kush

‘An ode to the Muse of Erotic Massage’ is a piece by the erotic masseuse known as Quinn Kush (she/her). Quinn’s practise is for queers (mainly femmes and GNC crew) and based in Naarm, describing herself as a "proud lesbian Jewish ciswoman”. Having initial experience in erotic photography, merging her creative skills and love for voyeurism, Quinn began to fall in love with the practice of sensual massage. Thus birthed her motivation to attempt to change the sxx industry game and normalise casual paid intimacy between women, non binary, trans masc & trans femme babes.

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Interviewed by Juliette Salom

Based out of Naarm, working with an everchanging art practice, Chloe Tabone – otherwise known as @faeryhexes – speaks to Demure about turning surrealist ideas into symbolic imagery. Inspired by early 20th century psychology, Chloe uses her art as a process to explore the intricate nuances of unconscious dream state. With work featured across magazines, albums and books, as well as art currently being shown at Northcote’s Black Spark Cultural Centre, Chloe’s mark in the Naarm art scene is only getting bigger. And more ethereal.

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Interviewed by Lillian O’Neill

Have you ever wondered, ‘where do I stand?’. One person that has been down this rabbit hole is Joseph Botica, a multifaceted artist whose recent work has been driven by this singular prodigious question. Creating on the unceded lands of the Turrbal Nations, Joseph Botica (they/them) is an emerging artist whose exploration is driven by the form of abstract impulsion. After beginning their Arts Degree in 2019, Joseph has been transcending previous dispositions, in order to better understand their personhood. As of late, Joseph has been focusing on their shoe making endeavours, in hopes to better understand where they stand.

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Ella Suzanne

Noting the hefty title, Ella (she/her) shares a very personal essay about her experience with imposter syndrome in creative fields and navigating it all with a 20-something-year-old brain.

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Interviewed by Julia Rose Bak

Mossy Jade Johnson (she/her) is a trans multidisciplinary artist currently residing in Boorloo. From painting to sculpture to sound installation, Mossy’s practice is as organic as it is electric. Her most recent solo exhibition, titled ‘Pistachio,’ is testamount to how Mossy can fruit an entire world from something as small as a pistachio seed.

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Interviewed by Isaac Dale

Isaac (he/him) sat down with DJ Niamh Kinsella (she/her), or Niamhzk, who has overcome the challenges of a male-dominated industry with a combination of self-doubt, creativity, and an unwavering passion for music. She found solace in mixing during the lockdown of 2020, and her fascination with sound and music as a listener inspired her to pursue music creation. Her love for writing and creating, as well as her interest in spoken word poetry, led her to infuse industrial sounds to create a unique and new sound that brings people together.

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Aideen Gallagher

Aideen (she/her) shares this piece, a reflection on her adult ADHD diagnosis: what it has looked like, felt like, and meant for her and her family. “I love to write as a way of understanding myself and my experiences, and so writing this has helped me digest and reflect on the way ADHD impacted my childhood. I hope that by sharing this I can help people understand what this experience may feel like for friends and family, or even inspire someone to seek help if they too struggle with their symptoms.” Cover image by Devika Suri.

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Julia Rose

Demure writer Julia Rose (they/them) reviews ‘Dress Rehearsals’, the highly anticipated, bold and brilliant poetry collection by poet, essayist and educator Madison Godfrey. This “memoir made of poetry” documents a decade of Godfrey’s relationship with womanhood, intertwined with reflections on live music, queerness, and desire.

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Interviewed by Juliette Salom

Based out of Naarm and already a staple on so many bodies that tangle throughout the city and its suburbs, the creative mind behind @everyday_lines_ Lauren Ericksen (she/her) chats to Demure about tattooing, making art and listening to your body. With delicate fine lines and a considered use of space dominating the aesthetic of her work, it feels only fitting that Lauren’s art has found its way to the permanent canvas of people’s bodies.

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Interviewed by Edie Hopgood

Edie (she/her) interviews Hannah Einhorn (she/they), a multidisciplinary artist who is currently earning her BFA from the Watkins College of Art at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Their emphasis is in painting and ceramics, but Hannah also incorporates collage and drawing techniques into their practice. They have continued to exhibit their art with the university throughout their education and has been recognized with several awards.

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga

Lu Deverall (she/her) is a queer multidisciplinary artist based in Eora and Berlin. Her practice draws on the twin states of choice and compulsion, intimacy and distance, comfort and unease. By dismantling the space between photographer and subject, and emphasising connection, Lucys work offers an intimate vision of female, queer identity. Pairing these encounters with constructed still life imagery, the sensuality of the viewer’s own perception comes to the fore, where the subconscious is invited to colour the experience.

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Interviewed by Lillian O’Neill

Katalyst was established by local Brisbane designer, Kate Evans. After finishing her fashion degree at QUT in 2015, Kate has been focusing on creating well made garments all while maintaining her own ethical and sustainable values. More recently, Kate has released a core collection of made-to-order items, in hopes to shape a clearer view of the work she is trying to design. Writer Lillian sat down with Kate in her West End studio and spoke about how she maintains her ethical values while competing with the current fashion climate.

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Interviewed by Moriah Katz

Moriah interviews Belleville born and Oakland raised musician, Jada Imani, who currently lives internationally. She mixed most of her most recent EP, “I Been Away, But…” in Cuba alongside local producer jonnychang. Drawing from Black musical traditions across the diaspora, Jada Imani gifts listeners an escape to an island where glass-clear water laps against white sand beaches, the sun shines – but never in your eyes – and the wind sings you to sleep whenever you choose.

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Interviewed by Juliette Salom

Consisting of three self-described curly-haired, queer, indie musicians based out of Naarm, My Giddy Aunt make the kind of garden pop music to soundtrack your youth. Made up of songwriter Rory Vagg (he/him), guitarist Luke Perry (they/them) and Océane Federow-Yemm (she/her) on bass and backing vocals, the three Naarm locals chat to Demure ahead of their upcoming single launch at The Old Bar for the release of their newest song Your Garden.

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Interviewed by Juliette Salom

Working on the unceded lands of the Kulin Nations, designer/artist/Stardoll enthusiast Selena Repanis takes inspiration from all the cubby holes of childhood most of us pretend to forget. A graphic designer who has worked on projects that span almost every medium and mode – from fine dining menus to rock band footy scarfs – Selena oscillates between a varying range of different projects and teams to make the sort of imagery that harks back to the pubescent days of scrolling Tumblr and playing CD rom computer games.

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Interviewed by Isaac Dale

Isaac (he/him) chats to Francesca Smith (she/her), otherwise known as Fressie, who is the genius behind the emerging Melbourne Brand, Feral. Growing up in rural NSW, Fressie was left to cater her artistic side with the town's two op shops, and her mother's old magazines from the 90s. But here is where creativity blossomed, into a Melbourne Accessory Staple.

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Interviewed by Gemma Hassall

Madonna Whore Complex - MWC - (she/her) is an artist, sex worker, Instagram baddie and proud Chihuahua mother based in Eora. Her work ranges from zines, to prints, collage and creative collaboration projects with friends and other artists, as well as the iconic pink “Madonna Whore Complex” stickers that she created. Madonna’s online presence is as much a part of her allure as well as the art she creates, which is why it was such a pleasure to get to know more about the allusive Madonna.

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Interviewed by Sarah Walliss

Demure writer Sarah interviewed Zoe Milah DeJesus (she/her) in early January in her studio. Zoe is a Puerto Rican-American visual artist originally from Scheyichbi (New Jersey, USA), currently based in Naarm. They sat down on the couch and spoke about art, creativity and the process behind her deep, surreal, almost haunting, paintings. Zoe also works in performance art, curation and exhibition production. Her work uses simple forms and abstraction, and is centred around self-reflection, spirituality and working with her subconscious.

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Interviewed by Edie Hopgood

Edie sits down with Xanthe Ficarra,the individual behind a slow jewellery business that repurposes necklaces and charms and gives them a new life through creating eye-catching statement necklaces. The brand’s core ethos surrounds utilising and revitalising the pre-existing creativity of second hand jewellery pieces and transforming them into new creations to be adorned for a lifetime. Her aim through her work is to represent originality and keep sustainable practices at the centre of her craft.

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Georgia Casey

This piece is a short story about not knowing what to do with your life after high school. After graduating, Georgia (she/her) had no idea what she wanted to study and felt ill-equipped to make such a grown-up decision. After mistakenly choosing to study law, which resulted in a mis-guided haircut and several mental breakdowns, the series of unfortunate events led her to a small town outside of Florence.

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Lulu Fitz

A piece of poetry by Lulu (she/her), who is an artist currently studying Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts, whilst writing and performing on the stolen lands of the Wurudjeri people of the East Kulin nation.

Read here.

Interviewed by Mackenzie Stolp

Our book club founder has had the honour of speaking to Sam Elkin, one of the editors of Demure's October’s book club read, Nothing to Hide. Featuring an array of incredible writing, Nothing to Hide couldn’t come at a better time! The past decade (as any decade before it) has been an extremely tumultuous time for trans and gender-diverse people, with more criticism and visibility—and so Nothing to Hide showcases both the hardships and joys of living as trans or gender-diverse in current so-called Australia. The interview explores Sam’s experience as an editor, the importance of listening to and reading writing by trans people and the exciting projects Sam is currently working on

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga

Brooke Hoffert (they/them) is a curator and writer based in Nashville, Tennessee specializing in LGBTQ+ visual and performing arts. They hold a master’s degree in History of Art from University College London located in London, England. Inspired and intrigued by the depths of queerness, they explore themes of love, utopianism, trauma, and queer identity through writings and exhibitions.

Read here.

Interviewed by Mackenzie Stolp

Our book club founder has had the honour of speaking to Siang Lu, the author of Demure's November book club read, The Whitewash. His debut novel, The Whitewash is a cheeky Hollywood gossip story about the whitewashing of the Asian film industry. Written as an oral history of the colossal disaster that occurs after an Asian male lead is case in a Hollywood spy thriller for the first time, The Whitewash is an epic dismantling of the systems and ideals Hollywood upholds. The interview explores Siang’s writing methods, the book’s unique format of grief, and the exciting projects Sianghas coming out soon.

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Interviewed by Isaac Dale

Australia has a textile waste problem—Australians purchase 27 kg of textiles per year of which 23 kg goes to waste. To combat this, some brands are reinventing themselves and the industry to stop these habits. Isaac Dale speaks to the owners of Spiraro and Not Sew New about how they are fighting against textile waste with their fun and sustainable upcycling brands.

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Joss Peter

Like all of us, Joss Peter (she/her) has spent too many Sundays in bed hungover. This has inspired the published Eora writer to create this piece about how to jazz up a Sunday when it all seems a bit ground-hoggy and depressing - tips we should all be following!

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Interviewed by Moriah Katz

Oakland musician Dani Offline (she/her) could adorn herself with five titles, if she chose to: songwriter, composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, performer. Jewels on a necklace. Instead, she swathes herself with the fruits of her craft. Each song is an invitation to tumble into a dreamscape: diaphanous, evocative, and realer than the waking world. Her lyrical flow, elastic voice, and lush production intertwine into sonic experiences as natural as spring water: mesmerizing to behold, sweet to drink from.

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Interviewed by Alice Raymond

Ella Lee (she/they) is a film photographer living and working on Dharawal Country. Ella's film photography authentically portrays their experiences with adolescence within both a suburban and urban context. In their series', they like to explore the complexities of identity through an eclectic subject matter, reflecting the coexistence of innocence, gratitude, joy, grit and experimentation, in turn, depicting the multifaceted nature of humanity. Their raw and vibrantly surreal collection 'coexistence' expresses the coexistence of the innocent joy of gratitude, challenging the dichotomies of identity we are often compelled to impose upon ourselves and others.

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga

'Body Irrelevant' is a combination of melodrama, film, poetry, performance art and sit-down conversations by two brilliant VCA Acting students and dear friends of Demure, Ez Kenworthy (they/them) and Jay Gold (they/them). The performance will be running as a part of Midsumma Festival 2023, as the pair welcome audiences to their bedroom for a night, to observe them in their most vulnerable state. The show is a conversation between friends in their attempt to explain and uncover the aesthetic currency of queerness and how they themselves are subject to the ever-changing nature of gender, sex and love.

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Mary Shaw

Mary Shaw (she/her) is an artist and writer living on Dja Dja Wurrung country, as well as a lover of trashy TV and an aspiring trainspotter. She is fascinated by the modes people use to express themselves; whether it be literature, fashion, painting or music; all of which she loves to create and experiment with. This piece covers the power of the disco genre that Mary is drawn to, and, contrary to its major keys and bright album cover, is a genre full of longing and weight - arguably the greatest 'sad girl' music.

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga

A cleverly named and authentically managed project, Not Sew New (NSN) is a Naarm-based fashion upcycling brand by graphic design graduate Ava Lauren (she/her). NSN creates garments and accessories out of pre-existing materials and clothing items to bring them new life. The namesake speaks for itself, but is representative of Ava’s goal to never bring brand new items into the world. With a versatile range of uniquely designed garments and accessories, such as the ProtoTie Bag,

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga

Paige Quinn is an artist working in Guelph (the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation), in Ontario, Canada. Her paintings draw from personal memories as well as culturally embedded themes of ecological spirituality, femininity and presence. In her artwork, Paige has been exploring the idea of reuniting and reconnecting with nature. The figures in her paintings are caught in the act of transformation and spiritual catharsis, becoming whole again as they connect to the earth and become closer spiritually with the unknown.

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Interviewed by Moriah Katz

August Stevens is a singer/songwriter based out of Hercules, California. A master storyteller, the twenty-three year old multi-instrumentalist blends word and sound to shepard listeners through the less-valued constants of the human experience: heartbreak, loneliness, and the raw ache of vulnerability. Acoustic riffs accented with piano climb toward their apex before unfurling into a dynamic soundscape in Stevens’ debut single: “Senses”.

Read here.

Interviewed by Lucia Droga

Co-founded by eternal collaborators, Renee Kypriotis and Martino Passi, ALMANAC is a production company that specialises in direction and in-house production for music videos, film, branded content and more. Through their characteristically “D-I-Y” lens, the pair produce work in the visual sphere that is striking and character-driven. As multi-faceted creators, they are here to push the boundaries of visual media further and further into the future, a future they believe is inclusive and authentic.

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Lou Martin

As a queer non-binary person having grown up in an unaccepting home, Lou Martin’s (they/them) poetry often comes from fairly dark, but real places, and whenever they are stuck in low episodes, they resort to writing them down. The thematic concerns of Lou’s poetry pieces are that of romance, love, loss, fear, self-hatred, homophobia and transphobia (internal and external), memories, anger and realization.

Read here,

Interviewed by Moriah Katz

Yetti Obasade (she/her) is a first-generation Nigerian American woman born in the Southern Midwest, who has been DJing under the stage name DJ Fibonacci for six years. Her musical sparkle comes from her innovative spirit and genuine verve for her craft. Her upcoming debut solo event - Wanderland - promises to be a synesthetic experience, blending the aesthetic, ethos, and sounds of Afrofuturism with the contemporary sensibilities of one of Oakland’s most versatile and enterprising rising deejays.

Read here.

Interviewed by Gemma Hassall

Kim Leutwyler is a Sydney based artist. Kim’s paintings portray LGBTQ+ identified and allied people, and toys with concepts such as “glorification, objectification and modification”. Throughout the work Kim pushes and pulls the boundary between realism and abstraction, highlighting the layers and complexity of identity, gender and beauty. Kim has an upcoming exhibition “Queer Corporeality” at the Nanda/Hobbs Gallery in Chippendale.

Read here.

Interviewed by Lucia Droga

Kansas Smeaton (she/her) is an Eora-based painter and a recent graduate from National Art School, who addresses themes of power, seduction, allurement and eroticism in her oil paintings. Demure editor Lucia Droga got talking to Kansas just in time for her first solo exhibition, showing now at COMA Gallery. The exhibition, called Desire, uses visual and theoretical rhetoric of 18th-century French portraiture, and is on view 25 November – 17 December 2022.

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Ruby Allegra

Written by Julia Rose

Demure writer Julia Rose (they/them) reviews From My Room, an exhibition by Ruby Allegra (they/them), a multidisciplinary artist working on Kaurna Land. From My Room is an ode to disabled excellence and anger, with the artist inviting us to celebrate disability from a joyful, colourful and comfortable place— that being a bedroom.

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Tegan Whittaker

Interview by Mackenzie Stolp

Tegan Whittaker is a graduate from the Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia and is passionate about styling, photography & graphic design. Heavy Petal showcases the beauty in being aggressive, sensitive, angry and all things seen as unbecoming of women represented by the smudged makeup, dark eyeliner, studs and safety pins—while also showcasing these women in pearls, jewels, big dresses and pretty makeup, representing their vulnerable, feminine side.

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Poetry by Karen Leong

White Hot Forever is a poetry collection that intersperses the unravelling, reordering and subverting of inertia as a state of constant. In line with dormant and ongoing trauma, the lingering inactivity of which life is framed evolves in this triptych across childhood, the early months of the year, and travel.

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Interviewed by Lora Subotic

Singer-songwriter Maxine Gillon (she/her) unveils her powerful third EP titled Ultra Lounge to be released November 25th. About two years in the making, Maxine Gillon invites us into the expansive world of a down-on-her-luck lounge singer playing in hypnotic echoed underground nightclubs. Within the six track EP, we enter a limbo atmosphere surrounded by smoke, only to be mesmerised by the clearing quality of vulnerable singer through catchy rock tunes and deeply introspective ballads.

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Interviewed by Eliza Byrne

Music duo Codie Sundström (she/they) and Willow Fearns (they/them), share their brand new single ‘LMK’, available on all streaming services. Reminiscent of The Marías and Allie X, ‘LMK’ is strewn with smooth R&B-style hooks and kinetic beats. Touching on astrology and attachment style concepts, LMK is the perfect soundtrack to any queer breakup.

Read here.

Olivia Wong

Edited by Mackenzie Stolp

Olivia Wong has blessed us again with this gorgeous collection of three poems! We debut Olivia recently with her poem ‘The Hangover’, however in this collection we see the full strength and beauty of Olviia’s writing! Tender and relatable, we know you will find Olivia’s words enchanting.

Read here.

Edited by Lucia Morris.

Sunday Stephens (she/her) has just launched her debut jewellery line as part of her new brand, Sunday Stephens Jewellery. After dropping out of uni, Sunday embarked on a new path, following her passion for creativity and jewellery, creating a line of colourful and delicate pieces. We spoke to Sunday about her inspiration, why she wanted to get into jewellery and her latest shoot.

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Gabby Parker Capes

A humorous and heartwarming piece by Gabby (she/her), a Wergaia woman living on the unceded lands of the Wadawurrung people in Geelong. This piece was written in preparation for her 26th birthday, and is a list of the best and evergreen advice she has received along the way.

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Amelia Carlisle

Edited by Mackenzie Stolp

In these two poems Amelia Carlisle personally reflects on universally understood experiences with a great gentleness and tact. Although her prominance as an artist is in design, she has uncovered a gift for emotional story telling through her poetry.

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Wladyslawa Uzsko

Edited by Lucia Morris

TW: Addiction

Anonymous author under the pseudonym Wladyslawa Uzsko’s (she/her) short story 'She likes to pretend I don't know' explores the everyday stigma of alcohol addiction. After engaging with various people and learning the effects that alcoholism has had on the lives of so many people in our society, Uzsko felt an urge to express her frustration and feelings of alienation through writing.

Read here.

Interviewed by Lucia Droga

GOO By Becca is a UK-based brand by Fashion Art Direction graduate, Becca Morgan (she/her). Becca is a stylist and creative director from Manchester, predominantly exploring consumption and material culture within her practice. Finding inspiration from her surroundings - both online and in the streets of Manchester - the brand focuses on creating wearable and sexy sustainable pieces, and does limited drops of handmade mesh pieces and knitwear.

Read here.

Interviewed by Joella Marcus

Robert Baxter (they/he/she) is a Naarm based queer pop artist who just dropped their first single of the year; a confessional track ‘Twenty Something’ Robert has a rich background in the arts as he is a practicing musician, artist, model and dancer. Demure spoke to Robert about the importance of queer and asian representation in the creative industry and the importance of making life beautiful. New life motto - “Look Hot and Have fun!”

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Eve Tramacchi O'Keeffe

Growing Pains is a piece of short fiction by Eve Tramacchi O'Keeffe (she/her), a poet and writer of short fiction living and working on unceded Turrbal and Jagera land. In her work, she is interested in exploring the natural world, what it means to exist within a human body, and often, how the two interact. Through a sibling’s observations of their sister and the unsettling nature of the inclinations she begins to develop, it is an examination of change and belonging, employing the female body and the natural world as creative vessels by which these themes are explored.

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Edited by Eliza Byrne

A beautifully written literature piece that will undoubtedly get your mind ticking about the sentiment of film photography and the ephemeral moments that make up our lives.

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Interviewed by Eliza Byrne

Sara Mango (she/her) presents a series of editorial photographs that she and her team have created named - Teen Revolutyon. Based across the world in Spain, this series is colourful and loud, aiming to encourage expressing yourself and to not be afraid.

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga

Lea Petrine is a Norwegian graphic designer working and living in Copenhagen, Denmark. She works with both printed and digital projects, mainly within culture, lifestyle and creative industries. Lea has designed a range of products - from websites, magazines, visually branding - and is is currently working on designing a wine label for Bar Vivant, a social, queer friendly bar in the bustling neighbourhood of Nørrebro.

Read here.

Interviewed by Lucia Droga

Demure gets talking to Danya Floyd (she/her), the face behind Aunad - a sustainable fashion brand started by Danya in 2020. The range of products are entirely handmade and ethically produced in Bundjalung Country (Byron Bay) NSW. She predominantly uses organic bamboo blends sourced from Queensland as the staple fabric, and keeps her product designs minimal in order to have longevity in her customers' closets - to be timeless rather than ‘seasonal’.

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga

Demure chats to twins Ali and Viki, who started Empty Spaces Market in November of 2021 during lockdown. Empty Spaces is defined by its use of venue; taking up an un-occupied, un-used, temporarily empty space for one afternoon only. Their first space in Collingwood was a gourmet donut shop; the second space in Northcote began demolition the next day and is now unrecognisable as the furniture warehouse it once was. The market plays a vital role in giving local creatives the chance to expand their audiences.

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Edited by Mackenzie Stolp

Oliva Wong’s poem The Hangover is a glimpse into her mind and all its beauty. Drawing on her studies in psychology, Olivia brings insight into themes of love and sexuality. A poem that will prove relatable for many, The Hangover is a sweet, subtle poem that we hope resonates with you like it does us.

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Interviewed by Joella Marcus

ATOMICX (they/them) is a multi-disciplinary artist, curator and Creative Director, best known for their immersive events and distinct, colourful painting style. Their practice responds to identity through a figurative and experimental approach, while exploring a vibrant pallet of colour. Demure speaks to them about their many impressive projects, their inspiration and their own creative work.

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Edited by Mackenzie Stolp

In this sublime personal essay, Poppy Templeton (she/her) dissects the experience of dating as a sex worker. Reflecting upon a recent break-up, Poppy masterfully highlights the dynamics of insecurities, confusion and resentment that sex workers unfairly deal with when dating.

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga

Demure got talking to the creative director of Cupid’s Wedding - Ash Grace Gowans (she/they). The label is is slow fashion and entirely conceived in Naarm, and Ash is soon to be graduate fashion student at RMIT, kickstarting a career in unique conceptions of fashion. Designing with genderfluidity and body inclusivity in mind, Cupid’s Wedding reimagines the less accessed aspects of historical silhouette, often referencing the Androgyny of the Dandy and Macaroni eras.

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Interviewed by Alice Raymond

Pondered is a fashion editorial created by queer, Naarm-based creatives. Drawing on swampy, frog-like concepts, the multi-disciplinary shoot presents a dreamy combination of photography, makeup, styling and modelling.

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Words by Em Simmone

Connection and solitude: Demure’s Em Simonne took a sneak peek at Olive Weeks’ world premiere of A Play About Ivy, That is Really About June ahead of Melbourne Fringe season.

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Interviewed by Mackenzie Stolp

Local muso Molly Jane has just released her debut single ‘Walk Me Home’, along with an accompanying music video directed and produced by Claudia Bailey. The gentle and warm tune tells the story of the painful decision of deciding to stay or leave a relationship. We had a chat to Molly about the song, video and her experience so far as a musician in Melbourne. Make sure you check out Molly Jane at her upcoming gig at the Curtin Hotel on the 29th of September!

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Sevin Pakbaz

A visual exploration of people and place, ‘People of Parramatta Road’ is a series of photographs and accompanying words by Sevin Pakbaz, shaking the dust off of the iconic road connecting Sydney’s CBD to Parramatta. Sevin’s stripped back and organic photos and commentary breathes new life into the street.

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Edited by Mackenzie Stolp

Not only have Georgia State Line and Eilish Gilligan teamed up for their funky remix of Georgia’s song ‘Every Where’, they decided to reunite and question each other in this exclusive interview with us! Reading two artists pick each other’s brains is always a treat—especially when they’re as talented as these two.

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Interviewed by Alice Ruby McDonald

Music producer Sig Nu Gris or otherwise known as Erin Hyde (she/her) has teamed up in a rich and explorative creative collaboration with filmmaker and great friend Paul Burns (they/them) to produce a short film to the Sig Nu Gris track ‘Ardkore Mega Expansion’ where energy and electric movement combine. Alice had the pleasure of interviewing the two on their collaboration and the multitude of processes that went into this project.

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga

Demure sits down with iconic Adelaide/Kaurna DJ Baby Monet (she/they), a noteworthy fixture in some of Adelaide's biggest events. They have proved their versatility and skills in the past two years, supporting icons like Cinthie, Partiboi69 and Motez. We talk about early beginnings, the vibrant South Australia techno scene and the challenges of the male-dominated industry. Make sure to look out for them in their second upcoming Naarm appearance on September 14th for Inertia at Colour.

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Milica Milinković

Milica Milinković is a Serbian-born autistic writer and poet based in Naarm on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people. Their writing explores relationships, queerness and having big feelings. Ocean inside of me is a poem centred around emotion and connection, expressing the overflowing feeling of a relationship.

Read here.

Interviewed by Eliza Byrne

Renkai is an artist based in Naarm/Melbourne. Each of his piece's are exceptionally detailed and thought out, and it can take Renkai weeks to months to produce one piece, as he is clearly a perfectionist. Drawing inspiration from many great artists, one in particular, Aubrey Beardsely, a 19th century English illustrator who’s art is erotic, decadent and grotesque, are qualities that he finds endearing and aims to replicate. Since 2018, Renkai’s style evolution has evolved tremendously, with each piece of work portraying a story and emotion that will have you staring into each individual stroke of pencil.

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Interviewed by Grace Gooda

Demure got chatting to Minna Leunig (she/her), who is already establishing herself as an iconic name in Australian art. Working on the lands of the Wathaurong people, and with a strong appreciation for Indigenous Australians and their connection to land and art, her acrylic on canvas works celebrate Australian flora and fauna. Her bold, recognisable silhouettes feature on a number of murals in locations such as Brunswick, Tocumwul, Prahran and Bendigo.

Read here.

Interviewed by Mackenzie Stolp.

Non-binary, Naarm/Melbourne based musician ENOLA is a fresh face delivering a unique, raw edge to our local music scene. Their blend of post-punk, grunge and shoe gaze results in songs that are equally hard-hitting and catchy. We were lucky enough to have a chat to ENOLA about their recent single ‘Strange Comfort’, where they find their inspo and what’s next on the horizon for them.

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga

We got chatting to Erin Sucic - the woman behind the brand of the same name. Although having no formal training in fashion or design, she started making clothing and selling on Instagram towards the end of 2019. She talks sustainability, inspirations and the encouragement from friends and family that got her to expand into an online brand.

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Lauren Payne

Lauren shares with us a reflection on the small changes happening in her life at the moment. Balancing career-driven decisions with emotional wellbeing can be tough. In her own words, “money doesn’t mean shit if I don’t have a good life.”

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Interviewed by Lucia Morris

Bowen Halkett (they/he) is an analogue photographer, exhibition organiser and curator working on unceded Gadigal land. Bowen uses photography to explore gender, identity and their place in the queer community. We speak to Bowen about their roots, their passion for photography and their amazing project, the YES Exhibition, alongside some of their beautiful photography.

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Genevieve Onori

Demure’s resident film critic Genevieve (@yokoonori) is back with another wonderful film review. In this piece she dissects Federico Fellini’s 81/2, a film which is considered the greatest film about filmmaking ever made. We are blessed to revel in Gen’s glorious film insight and hope you all enjoy her recommendations as much as we do.

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Interviewed by Mackenzie Stolp

Eora / Sydney creative and music collective FVNERAL return with the triumphant new single,‘GOODB(i)YE’. Through making music and creating together, FVNERAL, a group of friends – and each other’s chosen family – have created a world where visuals and music hold equal importance, one can’t exist without the other. FVNERAL’s goal is to forge an environment where young people can explore their identities and find a sense of belonging’

We sat down with Tim (he/they) and Ally (she/her) from the band to discuss the single, how the band formed and what we can expect next!

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Alice Ruby Mcdonald

Resident contributor Alice Ruby Mcdonald reviews Charly Oakley’s debut album ‘Yells Shit at the Universe’. An insightful and glowing review, this is an album we will be blasting through our car steroes ASAP!

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Genevieve Onori

In this film round-up, Demure’s resident film critic Genevieve Onori (she/her) reviews four films that, she thinks, reflect the art of film in its highest form. From the obscure and weird to the romantic and heartwarming, Gen’s four ‘What to Watch When You’re Sick of Watching’ films will be sure to entertain and engage you.

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Interviewed by Mackenzie Stolp

Sienna has quickly gained a cult following with the cute bags she makes under her brand Hello Sisi. From Miffy to Sailor Moon, Hello Sisi bags are as unique and cute as can be! We are obsessed with Sisi and cannot wait to see what she will do next.

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga

Demure chats with the brains behind Picked Love, an Eora-based collective, about their upcoming multi-disciplined art event, 01_Street. After multiple covid setbacks, the event is finally taking place on Saturday May 28th. Henry, Emma & Georgia talk about helping artists to push the boundaries, supporting them each step of the way and helping bring creative visions to life. Have a read, buy a ticket, and get yourself down to Camperdown for some fun.

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Alice Ruby McDonald

Resident cotnributor Alice shares her experience of seeing musician and poet, Jag, who she describes as a truly divine artist ready to transcend space and time.

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Interviewed by Lucia Droga

Demure got chatting with Pip, Maree and Stephanie, the girls who started Holy Trinity Collective. HTC is an up and coming events and zine collective focusing on women-identifying and GNC artists and contributors in Naarm. These powerhouse girls chat imposter syndrome, creating inclusive spaces, the issues of gender diversity which continue through the music industry, and the exciting developments happening through their events.

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Interviewed by Grace Gooda

A piece covering Naarm-based project The Elephant Room, a new docuseries by Sofia Viegas. The Elephant Room covers taboo topics, discussed openly by a range of subjects, from the comfort of their living rooms. Read here.

Mackenzie Stolp

Our book club founder has had the honour of speaking to Ella Baxter, the author of Demure's first book club read, ‘New Animal’. Her debut novel, New Animal is a deep spiral into dealing with grief and the seemingly ‘extreme’ methods people develop to cope. Although dark, New Animal is insanely funny and heartwarming. The interview explores Ella’s writing methods, the book’s unique exploration of grief, and the exciting projects Ella has coming out soon.

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Lucia Droga

A chat with writers and actors, Sophie Teo and Dominique Purdue, about their first production Misc.. The play is about Bea and Jasmine, two half Asian, half white actors, who keep meeting in different auditions, as they keep being put up for the same roles. Sophie and Dom shine light on their personal experiences of the cultural struggles being in an industry that constantly tries to put them in a single box. Read here.

Lauren Payne

A piece about embodying all sides of yourself, and refusing to be put into one single identity. Lauren wonders if it’s possible to be both people. To exist in-between the personas. Read here.

Alice Ruby McDonald

As the only female rhythm section players in a sea of male first years, Mia Rowland, Uyen-My Pham and Ashleigh Howell bonded over their love for all things music and found an undeniable connection between them. Resident contributor Alice had the pleasure of speaking to the three to discuss their much anticipated debut album release ‘Miss.’ Read here.

Lucia Droga

Diana Reid (she/her) is the author of ‘Love & Virtue’. Whilst being her first debut novel, she has already been compared to the likes of Sally Rooney. In the book, feminism, power and sex play out through the eyes of young Australian uni students in a contemporary narrative that is fiercely authentic. Lucia Droga, editor and co-founder, got the honour of speaking to her about writing, the book’s main themes and the experience of college itself. Read here.

Grace Gooda

Grace, on of our resident contributors, presents a light-hearted commentary on the inner dichotomy we face about our “contributions” to society and what it means when society is falling apart. Read here

Lucia Droga

Posmo is a sex toy concept store with over 100 products consisting of toys, sex accessories, sexual health products and sex-inspired art, picked by sexologist and co-founder Laura Miano. The product selection offers a suitable sex toy for each person’s financial and sexual needs. Read here.