Capsule 01 is the first in a series of A5-sized art books showcasing the diverse, vibrant and challenging work of a group of contemporary artists and illustrators. Printed over 80 high-quality silk pages, the book features lushly reproduced examples of artwork laid down with computer, pen, paintbrush and spray can.

The Capsule series arose from digital magazine Multilink, a quarterly PDF brimming with editorial on music, film and other interesting topics, along with a range of striking artwork. Following its launch in 2004, the magazine consistently proved to be a visual feast, leading to numerous requests for print copies every time a new issue dropped. So, it seemed a logical step for Multilink editor Rob Lynam to compile the amassed collection of artistic treats into a set of companion books.

Volume one of these features the work of ten international contributors, including Alex Young's spray paint masterpieces, Pandayoghurt's futuristic city-scape photo montages and Zach Johnsen's beautifully rendered figures with explosions of colour spurting from where their heads should be. Each issue also features a retrospective of Multilink pages and a rundown of the artist's websites for future reference.

Lynam, who is also the brains behind the inmo-design agency, said that he created the Capsule series to forge a more active relationship between people and the output of artists. By bringing together such a diverse range of creative minds, Lynam hopes that the result will be "ambiguous enough to discourage preconceptions".

He added: "At the same time, these featured artists have been selected for the strength of character inherent in their work and hopefully that will make each volume an item you want to spend some time with.
 
"Collectively these books will form a diverse archive of imagery and if people can lose themselves in the content then the stripped back and direct presentation of each volume should also provide the perfect format for a memorable catalogue of personal favourites."

Some of the artists came to Lynam's attention via submissions to Multilink, but he also actively seeks out potential contributors after stumbling upon their work. Lynam said that he spends much of his day talking with interesting souls over the vast confines of the internet, and then working out ways to collaborate.

"Every day I'm introduced to stuff from so many people I've never heard of, as well as trying to keep up with work from people I follow already," he said.

"For Capsule, in particular, I've been looking for more imaginative content, images that require some additional exploration to decide exactly what you think you're looking at. Usually I'm just hunting for things I like."

Future Capsule editions will introduce more beautifully produced artwork as Lynam has an "enormous list" of contributors to feature. He also plans to mix up the styles with each volume and may even organise an exhibition at some point in the future. A return of Multilink magazine is also on the cards, but that may be a matter of time and, of course, money.

"Multilink will return and hopefully sooner rather than later, [but] the big issue right now is time. I have most of the parts in place but I'm hesitant to push the button on a new issue without bringing someone else onboard to assist with the editorial side of things," he said.

"Sadly I'm not in a position to offer anyone a wage for the time being, so the search continues. However, you can still swing by the Multilink blog for occasional nuggets of justice."

A limited run of 3,000 copies of Capsule 01 is available now from capsulebook.co.uk, along with various shops and galleries worldwide, priced at £7.99 each.

For more information, please contact: info@inmosystems.com.

A discount is available for youlikewelike readers. Anyone entering the code VB87K6 on the Capsule Book website will receive 20% off the cover price.

The offer is open for two weeks from the
publication date of this article.

words: Andrew Laughlin