Wahter Studio is presenting the first comprehensive retrospective dedicated to INDEX Magazine (1996-2005) during Paris Design Week, marking a significant cultural milestone for one of the most influential publications of its era. Founded in New York by artist Peter Halley and editor Bob Nickas, INDEX became one of the most daring and influential cultural publications of its time, seamlessly blending contemporary art, fashion, music, and cinema in a conversational and unfiltered style.
The exhibition brings together original works created specifically for the magazine by world-renowned photographers including Wolfgang Tillmans, Juergen Teller, and Leeta Harding, alongside archival double-page spreads, covers, and previously unseen issues. These visual elements showcase the magazine's unique aesthetic approach and its role in documenting the cultural zeitgeist at the turn of the millennium.
A dedicated reading room will offer visitors direct access to a curated selection of editions, featuring exclusive interviews that captured defining moments in contemporary culture. Notable conversations include Alexander McQueen's interview with Björk, Hedi Slimane's discussion with Klaus Biesenbach, and Werner Herzog's exchange with Doug Aitken, demonstrating the magazine's ability to facilitate meaningful dialogues across creative disciplines.
Designed and organized by Wahter Studio in collaboration with Peter Halley, co-founder of INDEX, this retrospective aims to reintroduce the magazine's legacy to a new generation while highlighting its lasting influence on today's creative landscape. The exhibition serves as both a historical documentation and a celebration of the magazine's groundbreaking editorial vision.
Wahter Studio, a Paris-based research and ideation firm, operates at the intersection of art, fashion, and culture. The studio develops exhibitions, publications, and brand collaborations that connect archival history with contemporary practice, with recent projects spanning cultural programming, artistic direction, and public activations in both New York and Paris.
Peter Halley, an American painter, writer, and theorist known for his vibrant geometric abstractions and critical writings on postmodern society, co-founded INDEX Magazine in 1996 as a platform to document and shape cultural dialogue at the turn of the millennium. His dual role as both artist and publisher gave INDEX its unique influence, effectively bridging the art world with broader cultural currents and establishing new standards for cultural journalism.
The exhibition will open with a vernissage on Wednesday, September 10, from 6 PM to 10 PM, followed by public viewing from September 11 to 14, daily from 10 AM to 8 PM. The retrospective will be held at CØR STUDIO, located at 28 rue du Petit Musc, 75004 Paris, providing an intimate setting for visitors to explore this important chapter in contemporary cultural publishing.
