About

raft is a new venture from photographer Jem Southam, representing a long-planned evolution in his practice. Since his time in the design department at Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol, in 1987, Southam has been interested in the possibilities offered by the form of the photography book. Each new project is conceived with consideration for structure and form, bringing together images and text in ways that articulate the ideas under investigation.

The Raft series will feature photographic studies that reflect on art, natural history, and the earth sciences. Selected titles will include essays by leading writers in these fields. Alongside his photography, Southam produces short texts that provide context and extend the meaning of his studies, and each book will contain such writing.

Raft will initially publish two titles per year, one drawn from Southam’s archive and one presenting new work. The platform will also support collaborative projects, the first of which is 27 Indications of Spring, a series of volumes to be released over the coming years.

The venture is supported by a group of collaborators: Rudi Thoemmes acts as mentor; Josie Atkinson and Jess Thoemmes-Tondowski of RRB Photobooks provide publishing guidance and oversee marketing and distribution; Andrew Nadolski serves as design advisor; and Eleanor Macnair coordinates publicity. All titles will be printed at Narayana Press, a specialist arts printer in Denmark.