The Madison Journal of Literary Criticism, Volume 12

The Madison Journal of Literary Criticism is an student abolitionist study group from Madison, WI that uses criticism to examine the widespread harms of the carceral state whilst also producing a publication. The theme of this Spring 2023 Issue is "Renaissance."

The Renaissance issue thematically follows directly from our Fall 2022 Consciousness issue. As their mission defines abolition as asking “why?” and dreaming of more, Consciousness was about “waking up,” of attuning yourself towards the existence of the carceral state and its harms. Subsequently, Renaissance is about re-imagining, innovating, returning attention towards “classical antiquity,” structures we once took for granted. It’s about dreaming: a rediscovery of the socio-political power of art, culture, and music. Renaissance is not replicating the old, it’s procreation — examining the old, responding to it, and creating something new. Renaissance is a radical transformation of perspective — promoting both criticism and creativity.

As an abolitionist movement, the MJLC aims to examine Renaissance as a prerequisite to revolution. Renaissance is a call for rebirth, re-awakening, a demand for change and the re-evaluation of the system. This issue looks at Fitgerald and Kafka with renewed appreciation. It “scrap-books,” moving past the constraint of singular texts. It showcases existentialist short fiction and discusses televised representation, sex education, and internal — mental health oriented — interventions. A curation of artists and thinkers spanning age groups and continents, this edition exhibits critical critique in a plethora of formats. 

Artists, Authors, and Contributors: Anna Nelson, Amanjot Kaur, Ava Albelo, Caleb Delos-Santos, Catherina O, Catherine Young, Carsyn Barber, Casey Coolidge ,Christa Statz, Cloey Deignan-Koelzer, Cristina Rodriguez, Emily Wesoloski, Grace Dowling, Haley Polzin, Heather Colley, Jaeana Sabally-Pryor, Jeffrey H. MacLachlan, John Nugent, Karim Mitri, Lacey, Brooks, Landis Varughese, Luke Tillitski, Mario Loprete, Parker Hurkman, Paul Noeldner, Rachel Dunn, Sarah Kirsch, and Stella D'Acquisto.

Featuring Collaborations with: PUBCom, Sex Out Loud, and The Friends of Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Editorial Team (MJLC Staff): Ria Dhingra, Julia Kay Smith, Lacey Brooks, John Nugent, Cree Faber, Nuha Dolby, Landis Varughese, Carsyn Barber, Sophia Shashko, and Jonathan Tostrud.

Self Published
Second Printing
Edition of 25
Softcover
68 pages
215 x 279 mm