Danni McGrath

Cactaceae is a biannual print-journal based in Perth, Western Australia. Cactaceae is dedicated to producing high-quality writing on Western Australian, Australian, and international art and visual culture, and in-depth interviews with contemporary practitioners and theorists. Cactaceae is edited by Francis Russell and Danni McGrath.

In Australia and New Zealand “cactus” is a used as a slang term for anything that is unserviceable or broken-down, or generally not in working order. Indeed, for many the art-scene in Perth is “cactus” and the artists whom work here are often viewed as spiny and guarded. Against this view, some feel that the artists and networks that emerge out of Perth should be viewed as miraculous and unique, vibrant, and strange, and, furthermore, should be embraced for their diversity - for their weirdness. The word “weird,” from the old-English wyrd, meaning “destiny,” found its original adjectival form in reference to that which is in control of its destiny - a capacity that is perhaps most evident for those whom are too isolated to be circumscribed within over-arching forms of cultural control.

Each issue of Cactaceae will contain a selection of essays on contemporary issues in art, visual culture, and theory; reviews, and interviews with local and international practitioners. Our inaugural issue will focus on the problems/possibilities inherent within art's relation to "negativity."

Cactaceae aims to fill a gap within the contemporary artistic discourse of Western Australia by ibeing immanent to Western Australian art practice. Furthermore, we aim to provide a platform for celebrating, documenting, and explicating international and local art. 

1. Commissioning artists to produce original work for Cactaceae journal.
We aim to help support local artists by providing opportunities for original work to be produced and exhibited in a print format.
2. Printing costs for the journal. Cactaceae will be produced by Bench Press, a local risograph printing company.
We have chosen to print the journal with Bench Press, an artist run printing company, to further support the artist run initiatives in Perth. 
3. Binding and distribution costs (hand binding, postage, and other associated costs).
In producing Cactaceae we intend to emphasise the tactile qualities of print media. To this end, the publication will be produced by way of custom binding processes 
4. Purchasing ISSN cataloging number to allow for archival of issues. 
While a great deal of interesting and engaging work is produced in Perth, for the most part this work is at risk of being forgotten after its initial exhibition. By obtaining an ISSN number we can make the archiving and cataloguing of each issue more feasible. 
5. Website development and maintenance. 
While Cactaceae journal will be a predominately print media based publication, it will also have an online presence in the form of a website and Facebook page. This will include an online store to allow for ease of purchase outside of Perth. A website will also facilitate the sharing of lolcats, memes, and chopped and screwed Chris Isaak tracks.