Rhythm

Overview

“RHYTH M is a magazine with a purpose…We need an art that strikes deeper, that touches a profounder reality, that passes outside the bounds of a narrow aestheticism, cramping and choking itself, drawing its inspiration from aversion, to a humaner and a broader field. … to give expression to an art that seeks out the strong things of life; in criticism to seek out the strong things of that art—such is the aim of RHYTHM . ' ' Before art can be human it must learn to be brutal." Our intention is to provide art, be it drawing, literature or criticism, which shall be vigorous, determined, which shall have its roots below the surface, and be the rhythmical echo of the life with which it is in touch. Both In its pity and its brutality it shall be real. There are many aspects of life's victory, and the aspects of the new art are manifold. To leave protest for progress, and to find art in the strong things of life, is the meaning of RHYTHM . The endeavour of art to touch reality, to come to grips with life is the triumph of sanity and reason. "What is exalted and tender in art is not made of feeble blood" (1.1.36)

 

Originally founded as a quarterly magazine, Rhythm sought to explore the arts. The contributions and criticism’s acted as a precursor to what would later become Vorticism.

Katherine Mansfield aided in the publication of the first issue, and the periodical regularly published her work.

As the periodical became more and more popular the editors decided to turn it from a quarterly magazine to a monthly issue. When the transition from quarterly to monthly occurred the periodical was renamed The Blue Review. It was thus published monthly until the periodical went out of print in March of 1913.