Musotrees Vol. 11: The Muse Issue

After a 2 year gap, the Malaysian-based publication, Musotrees releases their latest issue, now available at Snackfood. Merging their 11th volume with a traveller's guide to Portugal, their latest release boasts a delightful and thought-provoking compilation of editorials, travel diaries, and interview features covering a range of stories from Switzerland, Colombia, India, Malaysia and the United Kingdom.

My personal favorites within the volume were two photographic series. The first being AAA Marino ("Abyssmal Aquatic Anguish) by Spain-based Jesus De La Rocha which showcases minimal still-life compositions of marine creatures. Each composition is set against a white backdrop; I couldn't help but lend singular focus to the creatures. This series is a textural journey for the eyes; the interplay of light on slime, skin and scales
bringing out the scars and folds of each subject's lifeless bodies, giving a sense of solemnity to these photographs. Jesus describes his project as a "heart-wrenching cry" to consciousness and action towards the preservation of marine life. As a viewer, this prompted me to flesh out the possible stories of suffering and resilience behind the wounds portrayed. It provoked an internal dialogue surrounding my actions in daily life and their chain of impact on marine ecosystems.

The second photographic series I enjoyed in this volume was 'Kishkindha' by Sanjay Tamar from India. Equipped with his father's old film camera, a single lens and decades-old expired film, Sanjay set out on this project embracing limitations and constraints. The outcome, in my opinion, is quite transcendent. This series is an ode to immersion in one's own immediate surroundings and appreciating slow, mindful living. There is a stillness to the compositions which asks nothing of the viewer and a universality to the subject matter. The photographs are of common sights; clouds, a tree canopy, a signpost, a storefront. Yet, there is a liminal quality to the compositions which bridge the realm of materiality to that of the immaterial. A rare sense of peace in uncertainty comes across, whether in a photo of dark clouds looming behind a photograph of a brightly colored signpost, or a blurry mountain-peak in the far-off horizon. This unassuming series sits within the volume like a quiet reminder to the spirit.

I also enjoyed the story on local film-maker Adam Zainal, director of the viral short film 'Kantoi'. He speaks highly of his friendships and how they have played a catalytic role throughout his film-making career. His friends are his muses, reservoirs of inspiration for his creative ideation. I could relate to his keen interest in observing dynamics within his friend groups and saw how idiosyncratic the Malaysian friend-group experience is at the heart of it. Characterised by colorful tropes, mannerisms, the eclectic lexicon of 'Manglish' sustained by healthy doses of drama, gossip, and heartfelt moments. This story drew me to reflect on my own friendships and embrace the messy experience of navigating interpersonal relationships as a beautiful part of being human.

Concluding this special issue is 'Pages of Portugal', an ode to Musotrees founder Kerol Izwan's love for Portugal. It offers a hotel guidefor travellers followed by interviews with some of the country's local creatives. This issue is full of journalistic gems that might lend a spark of inspiration to the eager reader.

Pricing for this latest issue has been bumped up from the previous edition's RM68 to RM85 - It's worth noting that this special issue is 180 pages long whilst Volume 10 before it was 132 pages.

Review by Khadijah Juswil

Dimensions: 9.1 x 0.5 x 6.6 inches

Print Length: 180 pages