Edition: U.S. / Global
The Culture Issue
Gail Bichler, design director: ‘‘This Culture Issue explores the idea of identity and the selves we inhabit. Erik Madigan Heck’s powerful portrait of Nicki Minaj worked well for the cover, where his stylized approach sets off Minaj’s own assertive self-expression.’’
Erik Madigan Heck for The New York Times. Styling: Rushka Bergman. Hair: Oscar James. Makeup: Sheika Daley. Manicure: Millie Machado. Set Design: Andrea Huelse.

Gail Bichler, design director: ‘‘This Culture Issue explores the idea of identity and the selves we inhabit. Erik Madigan Heck’s powerful portrait of Nicki Minaj worked well for the cover, where his stylized approach sets off Minaj’s own assertive self-expression.’’

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Table of Contents
The Culture Issue

The Year We Obsessed Over Identity

2015's headlines and cultural events have confronted us with the malleability of racial, gender, sexual and reputational lines. Who do we think we are?

The Culture Issue

The Passion of Nicki Minaj

The world’s biggest female rap superstar has meticulously crafted her own image — and maintained it with uncompromising control.

The Culture Issue

Zanele Muholi’s Transformations

A photographer known for taking striking portraits of members of the black queer community in South Africa turns the camera on herself.

The Culture Issue

Elvis Costello Looks Back

The musician reflects on four decades of self-reinvention.


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