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Manifesting; Affirmations; Abundance; The Matrix; Timeline Shifting; Shadow Work; Spiritual Hygiene; NPCs; Star Seeds; Light Languages.

At the end of 2025, I ventured far beyond my own algorithm, trawling instead through carefully-organised folders of TikTok videos from accounts operating in the sphere of pop spirituality. Assisting artist duo Ana Zibelnik (@anazibelnik) and Jakob Ganslmeier (@jakob_ganslmeier), the aim of this deep-dive was to develop a glossary of related terms for their new book project: ‘If a Flower Bloomed in a Dark Room, Would You Trust it?’

In two parts, this timely publication explores the rabbit holes that emerge from mainstream social media trends connected to self-improvement, probing at their relationship with far-right rhetoric – whether concealed or in plain sight – as well as the isolating effect of consuming this content online.

Designed by Hamid Sallali and published by Spector Books (@spectorbooks), there’s some razor sharp writing by Zoé Samudzi (@babywasu) and Elisa Medde (@elsmdd) to accompany Ana & Jakob’s visual research. If you’re interested in the ways that radicalisation takes root on platforms like TikTok, be sure to grab a copy.

Manifesting; Affirmations; Abundance; The Matrix; Timeline Shifting; Shadow Work; Spiritual Hygiene; NPCs; Star Seeds; Light Languages.

At the end of 2025, I ventured far beyond my own algorithm, trawling instead through carefully-organised folders of TikTok videos from accounts operating in the sphere of pop spirituality. Assisting artist duo Ana Zibelnik (@anazibelnik) and Jakob Ganslmeier (@jakob_ganslmeier), the aim of this deep-dive was to develop a glossary of related terms for their new book project: ‘If a Flower Bloomed in a Dark Room, Would You Trust it?’

In two parts, this timely publication explores the rabbit holes that emerge from mainstream social media trends connected to self-improvement, probing at their relationship with far-right rhetoric – whether concealed or in plain sight – as well as the isolating effect of consuming this content online.

Designed by Hamid Sallali and published by Spector Books (@spectorbooks), there’s some razor sharp writing by Zoé Samudzi (@babywasu) and Elisa Medde (@elsmdd) to accompany Ana & Jakob’s visual research. If you’re interested in the ways that radicalisation takes root on platforms like TikTok, be sure to grab a copy.

Manifesting; Affirmations; Abundance; The Matrix; Timeline Shifting; Shadow Work; Spiritual Hygiene; NPCs; Star Seeds; Light Languages.

At the end of 2025, I ventured far beyond my own algorithm, trawling instead through carefully-organised folders of TikTok videos from accounts operating in the sphere of pop spirituality. Assisting artist duo Ana Zibelnik (@anazibelnik) and Jakob Ganslmeier (@jakob_ganslmeier), the aim of this deep-dive was to develop a glossary of related terms for their new book project: ‘If a Flower Bloomed in a Dark Room, Would You Trust it?’

In two parts, this timely publication explores the rabbit holes that emerge from mainstream social media trends connected to self-improvement, probing at their relationship with far-right rhetoric – whether concealed or in plain sight – as well as the isolating effect of consuming this content online.

Designed by Hamid Sallali and published by Spector Books (@spectorbooks), there’s some razor sharp writing by Zoé Samudzi (@babywasu) and Elisa Medde (@elsmdd) to accompany Ana & Jakob’s visual research. If you’re interested in the ways that radicalisation takes root on platforms like TikTok, be sure to grab a copy.

Manifesting; Affirmations; Abundance; The Matrix; Timeline Shifting; Shadow Work; Spiritual Hygiene; NPCs; Star Seeds; Light Languages.

At the end of 2025, I ventured far beyond my own algorithm, trawling instead through carefully-organised folders of TikTok videos from accounts operating in the sphere of pop spirituality. Assisting artist duo Ana Zibelnik (@anazibelnik) and Jakob Ganslmeier (@jakob_ganslmeier), the aim of this deep-dive was to develop a glossary of related terms for their new book project: ‘If a Flower Bloomed in a Dark Room, Would You Trust it?’

In two parts, this timely publication explores the rabbit holes that emerge from mainstream social media trends connected to self-improvement, probing at their relationship with far-right rhetoric – whether concealed or in plain sight – as well as the isolating effect of consuming this content online.

Designed by Hamid Sallali and published by Spector Books (@spectorbooks), there’s some razor sharp writing by Zoé Samudzi (@babywasu) and Elisa Medde (@elsmdd) to accompany Ana & Jakob’s visual research. If you’re interested in the ways that radicalisation takes root on platforms like TikTok, be sure to grab a copy.

Manifesting; Affirmations; Abundance; The Matrix; Timeline Shifting; Shadow Work; Spiritual Hygiene; NPCs; Star Seeds; Light Languages.

At the end of 2025, I ventured far beyond my own algorithm, trawling instead through carefully-organised folders of TikTok videos from accounts operating in the sphere of pop spirituality. Assisting artist duo Ana Zibelnik (@anazibelnik) and Jakob Ganslmeier (@jakob_ganslmeier), the aim of this deep-dive was to develop a glossary of related terms for their new book project: ‘If a Flower Bloomed in a Dark Room, Would You Trust it?’

In two parts, this timely publication explores the rabbit holes that emerge from mainstream social media trends connected to self-improvement, probing at their relationship with far-right rhetoric – whether concealed or in plain sight – as well as the isolating effect of consuming this content online.

Designed by Hamid Sallali and published by Spector Books (@spectorbooks), there’s some razor sharp writing by Zoé Samudzi (@babywasu) and Elisa Medde (@elsmdd) to accompany Ana & Jakob’s visual research. If you’re interested in the ways that radicalisation takes root on platforms like TikTok, be sure to grab a copy.

Manifesting; Affirmations; Abundance; The Matrix; Timeline Shifting; Shadow Work; Spiritual Hygiene; NPCs; Star Seeds; Light Languages.

At the end of 2025, I ventured far beyond my own algorithm, trawling instead through carefully-organised folders of TikTok videos from accounts operating in the sphere of pop spirituality. Assisting artist duo Ana Zibelnik (@anazibelnik) and Jakob Ganslmeier (@jakob_ganslmeier), the aim of this deep-dive was to develop a glossary of related terms for their new book project: ‘If a Flower Bloomed in a Dark Room, Would You Trust it?’

In two parts, this timely publication explores the rabbit holes that emerge from mainstream social media trends connected to self-improvement, probing at their relationship with far-right rhetoric – whether concealed or in plain sight – as well as the isolating effect of consuming this content online.

Designed by Hamid Sallali and published by Spector Books (@spectorbooks), there’s some razor sharp writing by Zoé Samudzi (@babywasu) and Elisa Medde (@elsmdd) to accompany Ana & Jakob’s visual research. If you’re interested in the ways that radicalisation takes root on platforms like TikTok, be sure to grab a copy.

Manifesting; Affirmations; Abundance; The Matrix; Timeline Shifting; Shadow Work; Spiritual Hygiene; NPCs; Star Seeds; Light Languages.

At the end of 2025, I ventured far beyond my own algorithm, trawling instead through carefully-organised folders of TikTok videos from accounts operating in the sphere of pop spirituality. Assisting artist duo Ana Zibelnik (@anazibelnik) and Jakob Ganslmeier (@jakob_ganslmeier), the aim of this deep-dive was to develop a glossary of related terms for their new book project: ‘If a Flower Bloomed in a Dark Room, Would You Trust it?’

In two parts, this timely publication explores the rabbit holes that emerge from mainstream social media trends connected to self-improvement, probing at their relationship with far-right rhetoric – whether concealed or in plain sight – as well as the isolating effect of consuming this content online.

Designed by Hamid Sallali and published by Spector Books (@spectorbooks), there’s some razor sharp writing by Zoé Samudzi (@babywasu) and Elisa Medde (@elsmdd) to accompany Ana & Jakob’s visual research. If you’re interested in the ways that radicalisation takes root on platforms like TikTok, be sure to grab a copy.

Manifesting; Affirmations; Abundance; The Matrix; Timeline Shifting; Shadow Work; Spiritual Hygiene; NPCs; Star Seeds; Light Languages.

At the end of 2025, I ventured far beyond my own algorithm, trawling instead through carefully-organised folders of TikTok videos from accounts operating in the sphere of pop spirituality. Assisting artist duo Ana Zibelnik (@anazibelnik) and Jakob Ganslmeier (@jakob_ganslmeier), the aim of this deep-dive was to develop a glossary of related terms for their new book project: ‘If a Flower Bloomed in a Dark Room, Would You Trust it?’

In two parts, this timely publication explores the rabbit holes that emerge from mainstream social media trends connected to self-improvement, probing at their relationship with far-right rhetoric – whether concealed or in plain sight – as well as the isolating effect of consuming this content online.

Designed by Hamid Sallali and published by Spector Books (@spectorbooks), there’s some razor sharp writing by Zoé Samudzi (@babywasu) and Elisa Medde (@elsmdd) to accompany Ana & Jakob’s visual research. If you’re interested in the ways that radicalisation takes root on platforms like TikTok, be sure to grab a copy.

Another recent project I was happy to be a part of, linking up this time with the creative minds at extreme cashmere (@extreme.cashmere) and Aleï (@aleijournal) to develop a special, limited edition publication.

Interpretations celebrates the quiet, everyday stories that bring a garment to life, for which five talented artists – each with their own singular vision – were given carte-blanche to spin new tales with pieces from extreme cashmere’s collections.

I’m grateful to @andreas_lumineau, @chloe_royer, @sekyii, @lunacontee & @leeroykim for all the nice chats 🙏

As ever, thanks to the amazing @sarahflorander for the opportunity ❤️❤️❤️

Another recent project I was happy to be a part of, linking up this time with the creative minds at extreme cashmere (@extreme.cashmere) and Aleï (@aleijournal) to develop a special, limited edition publication.

Interpretations celebrates the quiet, everyday stories that bring a garment to life, for which five talented artists – each with their own singular vision – were given carte-blanche to spin new tales with pieces from extreme cashmere’s collections.

I’m grateful to @andreas_lumineau, @chloe_royer, @sekyii, @lunacontee & @leeroykim for all the nice chats 🙏

As ever, thanks to the amazing @sarahflorander for the opportunity ❤️❤️❤️

Another recent project I was happy to be a part of, linking up this time with the creative minds at extreme cashmere (@extreme.cashmere) and Aleï (@aleijournal) to develop a special, limited edition publication.

Interpretations celebrates the quiet, everyday stories that bring a garment to life, for which five talented artists – each with their own singular vision – were given carte-blanche to spin new tales with pieces from extreme cashmere’s collections.

I’m grateful to @andreas_lumineau, @chloe_royer, @sekyii, @lunacontee & @leeroykim for all the nice chats 🙏

As ever, thanks to the amazing @sarahflorander for the opportunity ❤️❤️❤️

Another recent project I was happy to be a part of, linking up this time with the creative minds at extreme cashmere (@extreme.cashmere) and Aleï (@aleijournal) to develop a special, limited edition publication.

Interpretations celebrates the quiet, everyday stories that bring a garment to life, for which five talented artists – each with their own singular vision – were given carte-blanche to spin new tales with pieces from extreme cashmere’s collections.

I’m grateful to @andreas_lumineau, @chloe_royer, @sekyii, @lunacontee & @leeroykim for all the nice chats 🙏

As ever, thanks to the amazing @sarahflorander for the opportunity ❤️❤️❤️

Another recent project I was happy to be a part of, linking up this time with the creative minds at extreme cashmere (@extreme.cashmere) and Aleï (@aleijournal) to develop a special, limited edition publication.

Interpretations celebrates the quiet, everyday stories that bring a garment to life, for which five talented artists – each with their own singular vision – were given carte-blanche to spin new tales with pieces from extreme cashmere’s collections.

I’m grateful to @andreas_lumineau, @chloe_royer, @sekyii, @lunacontee & @leeroykim for all the nice chats 🙏

As ever, thanks to the amazing @sarahflorander for the opportunity ❤️❤️❤️

Another recent project I was happy to be a part of, linking up this time with the creative minds at extreme cashmere (@extreme.cashmere) and Aleï (@aleijournal) to develop a special, limited edition publication.

Interpretations celebrates the quiet, everyday stories that bring a garment to life, for which five talented artists – each with their own singular vision – were given carte-blanche to spin new tales with pieces from extreme cashmere’s collections.

I’m grateful to @andreas_lumineau, @chloe_royer, @sekyii, @lunacontee & @leeroykim for all the nice chats 🙏

As ever, thanks to the amazing @sarahflorander for the opportunity ❤️❤️❤️

“Swimming in a sea of overlapping references – to Surrealist masterworks and celebrity culture, to photographic history and pop music, to the endless scroll of social media interfaces or the familiar visual codes of advertising – Baby Blue Benzo, like many of Cwynar’s past projects, is a dizzying interrogation of how images shape real-world value, of how photographs are mobilised to cultivate consumer lust. Blending collage, performance, installation, still and moving images, her approach is fragmented, layered and rarely ever didactic; far from peering in on the thrills and ramifications of our late-capitalist economy, there’s a sense instead that Cwynar weaves her kaleidoscopic tale from its core, tangled up somewhere in the muddy midst.”

________________________

It’s always fun to write about work that’s inspired me for some time. Back in 2016, when I first encountered work by Sara Cwynar (@cwynars) as an Editorial Intern at Foam Magazine (@foam_magazine), I was enthralled; almost ten years on, my reflections on her recent innovations can be found in Foam Magazine #67: The Test of Time, a special 25th anniversary issue.

Thanks, as ever, to the excellent Katy Hundertmark (@katyhundertmark) and the whole Foam Magazine team!

All images © Sara Cwynar

“Swimming in a sea of overlapping references – to Surrealist masterworks and celebrity culture, to photographic history and pop music, to the endless scroll of social media interfaces or the familiar visual codes of advertising – Baby Blue Benzo, like many of Cwynar’s past projects, is a dizzying interrogation of how images shape real-world value, of how photographs are mobilised to cultivate consumer lust. Blending collage, performance, installation, still and moving images, her approach is fragmented, layered and rarely ever didactic; far from peering in on the thrills and ramifications of our late-capitalist economy, there’s a sense instead that Cwynar weaves her kaleidoscopic tale from its core, tangled up somewhere in the muddy midst.”

________________________

It’s always fun to write about work that’s inspired me for some time. Back in 2016, when I first encountered work by Sara Cwynar (@cwynars) as an Editorial Intern at Foam Magazine (@foam_magazine), I was enthralled; almost ten years on, my reflections on her recent innovations can be found in Foam Magazine #67: The Test of Time, a special 25th anniversary issue.

Thanks, as ever, to the excellent Katy Hundertmark (@katyhundertmark) and the whole Foam Magazine team!

All images © Sara Cwynar

“Swimming in a sea of overlapping references – to Surrealist masterworks and celebrity culture, to photographic history and pop music, to the endless scroll of social media interfaces or the familiar visual codes of advertising – Baby Blue Benzo, like many of Cwynar’s past projects, is a dizzying interrogation of how images shape real-world value, of how photographs are mobilised to cultivate consumer lust. Blending collage, performance, installation, still and moving images, her approach is fragmented, layered and rarely ever didactic; far from peering in on the thrills and ramifications of our late-capitalist economy, there’s a sense instead that Cwynar weaves her kaleidoscopic tale from its core, tangled up somewhere in the muddy midst.”

________________________

It’s always fun to write about work that’s inspired me for some time. Back in 2016, when I first encountered work by Sara Cwynar (@cwynars) as an Editorial Intern at Foam Magazine (@foam_magazine), I was enthralled; almost ten years on, my reflections on her recent innovations can be found in Foam Magazine #67: The Test of Time, a special 25th anniversary issue.

Thanks, as ever, to the excellent Katy Hundertmark (@katyhundertmark) and the whole Foam Magazine team!

All images © Sara Cwynar

“Swimming in a sea of overlapping references – to Surrealist masterworks and celebrity culture, to photographic history and pop music, to the endless scroll of social media interfaces or the familiar visual codes of advertising – Baby Blue Benzo, like many of Cwynar’s past projects, is a dizzying interrogation of how images shape real-world value, of how photographs are mobilised to cultivate consumer lust. Blending collage, performance, installation, still and moving images, her approach is fragmented, layered and rarely ever didactic; far from peering in on the thrills and ramifications of our late-capitalist economy, there’s a sense instead that Cwynar weaves her kaleidoscopic tale from its core, tangled up somewhere in the muddy midst.”

________________________

It’s always fun to write about work that’s inspired me for some time. Back in 2016, when I first encountered work by Sara Cwynar (@cwynars) as an Editorial Intern at Foam Magazine (@foam_magazine), I was enthralled; almost ten years on, my reflections on her recent innovations can be found in Foam Magazine #67: The Test of Time, a special 25th anniversary issue.

Thanks, as ever, to the excellent Katy Hundertmark (@katyhundertmark) and the whole Foam Magazine team!

All images © Sara Cwynar

“Swimming in a sea of overlapping references – to Surrealist masterworks and celebrity culture, to photographic history and pop music, to the endless scroll of social media interfaces or the familiar visual codes of advertising – Baby Blue Benzo, like many of Cwynar’s past projects, is a dizzying interrogation of how images shape real-world value, of how photographs are mobilised to cultivate consumer lust. Blending collage, performance, installation, still and moving images, her approach is fragmented, layered and rarely ever didactic; far from peering in on the thrills and ramifications of our late-capitalist economy, there’s a sense instead that Cwynar weaves her kaleidoscopic tale from its core, tangled up somewhere in the muddy midst.”

________________________

It’s always fun to write about work that’s inspired me for some time. Back in 2016, when I first encountered work by Sara Cwynar (@cwynars) as an Editorial Intern at Foam Magazine (@foam_magazine), I was enthralled; almost ten years on, my reflections on her recent innovations can be found in Foam Magazine #67: The Test of Time, a special 25th anniversary issue.

Thanks, as ever, to the excellent Katy Hundertmark (@katyhundertmark) and the whole Foam Magazine team!

All images © Sara Cwynar

“Swimming in a sea of overlapping references – to Surrealist masterworks and celebrity culture, to photographic history and pop music, to the endless scroll of social media interfaces or the familiar visual codes of advertising – Baby Blue Benzo, like many of Cwynar’s past projects, is a dizzying interrogation of how images shape real-world value, of how photographs are mobilised to cultivate consumer lust. Blending collage, performance, installation, still and moving images, her approach is fragmented, layered and rarely ever didactic; far from peering in on the thrills and ramifications of our late-capitalist economy, there’s a sense instead that Cwynar weaves her kaleidoscopic tale from its core, tangled up somewhere in the muddy midst.”

________________________

It’s always fun to write about work that’s inspired me for some time. Back in 2016, when I first encountered work by Sara Cwynar (@cwynars) as an Editorial Intern at Foam Magazine (@foam_magazine), I was enthralled; almost ten years on, my reflections on her recent innovations can be found in Foam Magazine #67: The Test of Time, a special 25th anniversary issue.

Thanks, as ever, to the excellent Katy Hundertmark (@katyhundertmark) and the whole Foam Magazine team!

All images © Sara Cwynar

A self-proclaimed ‘plain Jane’ high school student, Chris Smith (@mechrissmith) first took up the camera as a tool for self-expression, recasting himself in cinematic self-portraits from his childhood bedroom in the coastal city of Gqeberha, South Africa.

Defying the limitations of a single style, the fashion-infused results were posted periodically to Instagram; online, this expressive visual world – where gender binaries dissolve, and where colourful new possibilities abound – soon garnered a sizeable following.

For our in-depth conversation, now found online via The Ravestijn Gallery (@theravestijngallery), Chris dialled in from the bedroom where it all began. We spoke about the origins of his creative process, his love of fashion, the technical restraints he navigates in the making of each image, and the new directions he hopes to explore.