Introduction

Photography by Diana Dávila Silva

It’s with solemn joy that we bring you our Death Issue. The work in these pages is not only a window into these artists’ souls, but also a mirror to our own grief. 

As we made the final selection of work, we couldn't help but identify with each and every piece of work in here. For Death is the most unifying fact of life. No matter our gender, ethnicity, creed, or culture, we all are going to face death. In fact, we face it daily—in the grief for the things we've lost, in the fight for the things we refuse to let die, and even more so when we face our own mortality. The work in these pages is brave and deeply moving, and we are grateful for all our contributors for sharing this extremely personal experience. 

This issue is dedicated to Cynthia "Tink" Iglesias Ovalle. You asked us to reminisce about you—so here we are, the way you would have loved: in good company, surrounded by others carrying the stories of their own loved ones (you did enjoy a good social). You laughed loudly, loved fiercely, and left joy scattered everywhere you went. You filled rooms, hearts, and our lives with fire, pixie dust, and light. We carry you with us, always and everywhere, in every laugh, every spark, every story.