Under the Influence

‘What does it mean to be under the influence? It means to be in an intoxicated condition. I wanted to get writers while they were in this state of intoxication, a condition that might increase their fluency, but in which it can be difficult to write.’ – Joanna Walsh

It has been said that we live in the golden age of the personal essay. Under the Influence extends the personal/critical essay form in terms of style, structure and approach. In these twelve pieces assembled by Joanna Walsh, each writer chooses a writer or form that has influenced their work, and responds to it in a way that not only provides a critical appreciation, but embodies, demonstrates, or holds a conversation with the nature of that influence.

Interpretations by: Owen Booth, Vahni Capildeo, Lauren Elkin, Rachel Genn, Deborah Levy, Roman Muradov, Sam Riviere, Anakana Schofield, Fernando Sdrigotti, Isabel Waidner, Eley Williams, Dimitra Xidous.