News Summary
The launch of the new tabloid ‘On The Rag’ took place at Night Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles, drawing a diverse crowd of artists and writers. Despite the absence of anticipated guest Chet Hanks, the event showcased the tabloid’s eclectic mix of literary content, which includes poetry, critiques, and conversations with notable figures. Founded by Sammy Loren, ‘On The Rag’ aims to challenge elitism in the literary world, offering fresh voices and perspectives to the Los Angeles scene.
Los Angeles – A new tabloid titled On The Rag was celebrated during its launch party at Night Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday night, despite a curfew that was imposed across the area and the absence of anticipated guest Chet Hanks. The launch event brought together a diverse crowd of artists and writers, highlighting a mix of engaging literary content in the publication.
On The Rag, which is positioned as a response to the social media age, was created by Sammy Loren, who began publishing literary works in La Prensa while living in Mexico City before relocating to Los Angeles. The tabloid went into print in spring 2023 and has since received attention from major publications, with the New York Post referring to it as the “second-greatest tabloid in the world.”
The inaugural issue of On The Rag includes a vibrant mix of literary styles and topics. It features a letter from a surfer in Gaza, poetry, and advertisements for Latina call girls, alongside a notable conversation between art critic Anahid Nersessian and painter Sanya Kantarovsky. The publication aims to present an eclectic and diverse array of voices, emphasizing accessibility and transparency while opposing the elitism often found in the literary and art community.
During the launch event, various authors took to the mic to showcase their work. Writer Kennedy Wright read excerpts from her novel The Baptism of Abraxas, while Chris Kraus and Rachel Kushner, who also serve as editorial directors for the tabloid, spoke enthusiastically about the project’s inception and goals. Ruby Zuckerman shared a short story that connected to her grandfather’s Yiddish heritage, and Zara Schuster read a bilingual poem, underscoring the importance of a literary tabloid to the Los Angeles scene.
The tabloid also features a gripes section, which has been popular on the platform’s Instagram account. This section includes critiques of literary locations, including a noteworthy statement that questioned Paris’s status as a cultural hub. The presence of this gripes section aims to foster engagement and conversation among readers, encouraging discourse around both high and low forms of literary expression.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Chet Hanks, the actor and son of Hollywood star Tom Hanks, he ultimately could not make it to the event. Hanks had been advertised as a headliner prepared to read from a forthcoming memoir but sent a text informing attendees of his departure from town shortly before the event. His no-show led to speculation among attendees.
As the night progressed, Sammy Loren, the tabloid’s founder, announced an afterparty at El Prado in Echo Park, encouraging guests to attend and continue the celebration following the literary presentations. The launch showcased not just the content of the tabloid but also highlighted the communal and collaborative spirit that has emerged within Los Angeles’s artistic and literary circles, propelled by grassroots efforts such as Loren’s own underground reading series, Casual Encounters, initiated in 2020 in response to a perceived lack of relatable literary events.
The Night Gallery launch illustrated a growing literary movement in Los Angeles, breathing new life into the city’s art scene while fostering connections between artists, writers, and a broader audience. With its bold mix of content and commitment to accessibility, On The Rag holds promise for those seeking fresh literary voices and creative expression.
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