Club Spotlight: Asian Magazine
By ARYAN AGARWAL, ADRIAN CHAN, and ANGELA HE
The Asian Magazine is one of the many unique publications at Exeter, showcasing advanced creative work from students with Asian backgrounds. The club held a joint meeting with Asian Voices on Feb. 7 to celebrate their latest publication from last spring, “Rebirth & Regrowth,” with catered Asian food and to start preparations for their next magazine issue. The event brought together club members, artists, and writers to discuss the creative process behind the magazine and highlight the importance of this platform for Asian students at Exeter as a community and artistic space for Asian students at PEA.
Regarding the mission of the club, co-head and senior Elaine Qiao said, “Our previous co-heads used to say that just the act of creating art as an Asian counts as Asian art. We want Asian Magazine to be a space for Asian students to express themselves creatively and share their work, whether directly related to their racial identity or not.” This philosophy entitles any Asian student at Exeter to submit whatever creative work they feel proud of. Similarly,, co-head and upper Sophie Yu described the main goal of the Magazine as to “highlight the voices of Asian writers and their stories through our annual publication/ literary magazine.”
Qiao explained that the publication process begins with the co-heads, who “meet early in the year to discuss the themes for our issues and publication logistics (funding, timeline, advertisements, etc.)” Yu continued the explanation. “Typically, we meet to discuss the issue, decide upon a fitting theme, and then just push it out to the student body as much as we can through posters and emails.”
Creating each issue is a team effort that involves plenty of collaboration and hard work. Yu detailed, “During meetings, we provide opportunities for students to workshop their pieces and ask questions regarding submissions.” The final stages involve editing submissions, getting to the printers on time, and hosting a distribution party.
The most recent issue, themed “Rebirth & Regrowth,” reflected on the mix of grief and joy that comes with change. “I designed the cover with inspiration from Monet,” shared Qiao. “Lotus flowers, which symbolize rebirth in many Asian cultures, were a central motif.” Yu noted how the springtime theme resonated with campus life: “It parallels the campus and nature surrounding us coming back to life from the winter.”
The upcoming spring issue, titled “Anchor,” will cover themes of grounding and stability. “We’re planning to publish and distribute it in early May,” said Yu. “We’re excited to see how our contributors interpret the theme.”
The club welcomes students of any art level. “Just show up!” Qiao urged. “Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, Asian Magazine is a publication for you to explore yourself creatively.”
Yu added, “It’s a relaxed and welcoming space, and I think anyone who enjoys writing or appreciates beautiful work will have fun. We typically meet on Sundays from six to seven every other week. Hopefully, more people can pull up!!”
The Asian Magazine thrives not because of glossy covers or polished pages, but because of the voices behind them and the community manifested from all involved. The rough drafts, the brainstorming, and the fulfillment of creation. With each issue, the club isn’t just printing a magazine; it’s creating a story that explains with every fresh voice that dares to be heard.
