The Underground Editor-in-Chief Zoë Edeskuty (’27 Creative Writing)

The experimental art and literary journal, The Underground, has officially launched its first issue. The Underground is a student-run all-digital space for creative minds to exist in one collaborative space. It is a platform for digitally accessible narratives, including video, visual, interactive, and trans-genre compositions.

“I hope to foster a community in the experimental genre where the strange and unusual can beautifully intermingle. Whether writer, collagist, animator, musician, or sculptor, my hope is to expand the world of experimental media and the avant-garde with the participation of students and faculty across disciplines on campus,” said Editor-in-Chief Zoë Edeskuty (’27 Creative Writing) and co-creator and founder of The Underground.

The first issue is a product of different editorial teams (audio, written, interactive/visual) and features a narrative split into three themes that are left to the reader’s interpretation.

“We wanted to leave the readers with a feeling rather than a set conclusion when completing the first issue. With the layout of the issue, there are different designs throughout the background, hinting at the different themes, and concluding with a final image of a cracked screen. This issue would not have been possible without the collaboration of all parties,” said Edeskuty.

Work submitted for this issue includes Chapman students, faculty, and alumni.

The Underground will publish one issue at the end of each semester and the submission window will open at the start of each semester.

In addition to the online journal, The Underground hosts events hoping to create a connection with the Chapman community.

“We want everyone to get to know the people behind the journal and experience events that will hopefully inspire more creation. It’s also just a great way to have fun and celebrate everything creative on campus,” said Edeskuty.

“Our Child” by Sydney Boone, The Underground.

Before the first issue was launched, The Underground team hosted a Typewriter Poem and Caricature event in the Piazza. Students and faculty that participated received personalized art and words, while Shely Netz (’27 Graphic Design) The Underground’s Web Design Lead, drew caricatures of them and Edeskuty wrote poems on her typewriter.

“It was very sweet to see everyone’s reactions to everything,” said Edeskuty. “In the future, we would love to do the Typewriter Poem and Doodle Caricature event again. We also plan to do a launch event celebrating the first issue and second issue at the end of the spring semester in 2025.”

Edeskuty wants to create an immersive experience at these events, commemorating the range of submissions that are all written, visual, and auditory.

“As we have spent the fall semester setting up our journal and advertising to get the word out, you can expect the spring semester to be filled with more events. We will also be starting up our artist and author interviews section of our website, providing insight into the works of students and professionals on their artistry and creative processes.”

Edeskuty wants those who might be hesitant to submit their works to The Underground, to know that there’s a whole community of artists pushing their limits, and it’s all about supporting each other’s wild ideas.

“Your work has something to say, and there are people out there who need to see it. By submitting your work, you’re contributing to a larger conversation about art, ideas, and creativity. Don’t let hesitation stop you from sharing your vision with others.”