Nº 42: Osman Bari
The graphic designer and editor talks Luigi’s, Marwan Bassiouni's new exhibition and the military sleep method.
We’re back with Osman Bari. Read on to find out what he’s into, and if you’re new here, hit subscribe for secret recommendations once a week.
Osman is a graphic designer and editor of Chutney, a magazine of everyday stories on culture and identity from underrepresented voices. His is the typical diasporic character arc: hailing from Lahore, immigrating to Toronto, now living in London. Did someone say identity crisis?
☞ THE CHUTNEY TEE: A shameless lil’ self promo — I’ve designed this orange creamsicle of a tee to fund the next issue of my mag Chutney, out early next year. Screen printed with custom typography by moi. Plus! You’ll get a nice little mention in the next issue (and an invite to the launch party?) The campaign literally ends tomorrow though, so best be quick! x
☞ NEW BRITISH VIEWS: This excellent free exhibition by Swiss photographer Marwan Bassiouni captures landscapes as seen from within mosques and prayer spaces across the UK. A slightly surreal, layered reversal of the Western gaze that hits close to home. Pop over this week — it’s on until the 19th at Workplace in Fitzrovia.
☞ LUIGI’S DELICATESSEN: Luigi’s is a real treat even if you’re just looking around, which is usually the case for me. Behind the gorgeous bright red shopfront are homemade lunch trays and the usual assortment that you’d expect from an Italian deli, with a few odd bits such as mini containers of banoffee pie or Dolce and Gabbana panettone tins. If you’re lucky, you might get a “Cheers, bello — buonasera!” on your way out; I think I must’ve blushed.
☞ DEPOP DRAMA: Exactly what it says on the tin. A slightly unhinged and very funny IG page. A recent fave post sees a customer expressing concern at receiving their order in an ultra slim breast pads box from Boots Maternity.
☞ TONY’S CHOCOLONELY MILK: I’ve yet to source this in London, but if you’re ever in Amsterdam, treat yourself to a “Tony Chocolonely met slagroom”. Strangely available at most bars, where ordering one doubles as a handy conversation starter (so quirky!!) Best served cold, in a tall glass. “Slagroom” = whipped cream on top.
☞ THE MILITARY METHOD OF SLEEP: As much as I am not a fan of the military industrial complex, this technique (supposedly endorsed by the US Navy) has surprisingly worked for me when I struggle to sleep. Close your eyes, and beginning with your face, relax the muscles in your body from top to bottom. Drop your shoulders, hands by your sides and slowly loosen your body, making your way down to your feet. If that doesn’t work… Might be worth Googling how the Marines do it.
☞ JOSHANDA: Described by my non-Pakistani friends as “rock tea”. It’s basically sachets of ground licorice or licorice-esque herbal stuff that you stir into half a mug of boiling water and drink when you’ve got the flu or a sore throat. My sister and I have been on this remedy since we were kids (thanks ma!) and I kind of love it now. Just don’t drink too much in a day, or you might get a nosebleed. Probably available at your nearest South Asian/Arab/International supermarket. I get my stash in Fulham.
♪ LISTENING TO: More Sounds Of The Department Store on YouTube. The soundtrack to living out your best 1970s suburban mall fantasy. ’Tis the holiday season after all, and who can resist that sweet nostalgic taste of American consumerism?
☠︎ HATES:
Unplanned phone calls — they make me anxious!
Being called: Omar, Osmond (???), Owen, Oswald, Simon or Julian. Though Julian might be fine.