Featuring special projects by: Ruth Buchanan Victor Burgin Mekhitar Garabedian Ian Kiaer Vincent Meessen A Prior Magazine A series of publications on contemporary art A Prior selected five artists, each of whom in their own way write about and present their research. Mekhitar Garabedian and Ruth Buchanan do this in an associative, poetic manner that is also beautifully present in the visual images that they create. They offer a wealth of source material, which bears witness to great generosity and which allows visitors to cast a different eye on artistic production. Victor Burgin and Vincent Meessen decided on a dialogue. In conversation with Hilde Van Gelder and Katrin Mundt, they illuminate the fundamental concerns in their work and clarify the many theoretical influences and references that have helped shape their oeuvre. Finally, Ian Kiaer gives us insight into an art historical research produced within the strict rules of academic research. These three models of research are only a few variations in the ways that research in the arts is conducted today, by visual artists. It is an exceptional, enriching honour for us to be able to offer the artists this forum and indeed, to see how differently they approach its formal aspects. For four years now, A Prior Magazine has operated in association with the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (KASK) of the University College at Ghent. The privileged position of the magazine, based on autonomy and firmly anchored within the non-academic circuit in which it has its roots and currently also able to operate within an academic context, has for A Prior been a very special enrichment. The dialogue between the two hitherto largely divided academic and non-academic worlds gives not only artists, but also the magazine, new insights and possibilities that can function free from all formality or fear of constrictions or uniformity. We have set ourselves the goal in the next few years to publish regularly on research in the arts, without further exacerbating the divisions, but on the contrary, by giving the research a place within the wider context of artistic production. A Prior #20 is a first attempt in this direction. A Prior is a not for profit arts organisation offering a fresh approach to art, artistic projects, collaborations and research in book format. You can receive it on your doormat! New subscription rates available: www.aprior.org/subscriptions ENJOY THIS SPECIAL OFFER: With each new subscription until the 20th of May, you may order 1 back copy of A Prior (see www.aprior.org/issues) that will be sent to you without additional shipping costs. A Prior Magazine J. Kluyskensstraat 2 B-9000 Ghent, Belgium www.aprior.org facebook: A Prior Magazine Twitter A Prior Magazine is published by vzw Mark (A Prior Magazine) and the Royal Academy of fine Arts (KASK) of the University College Ghent; and supported by the Ministry of the Flemish Community and the advertisers. Launch and party sponsored by KIOSK and Vedett