Exploring Equilibrium
The iliad Literary-Art Magazine’s 42nd edition, “Equilibrium,” was the first edition of the publication in color.
Published in the spring of 2018, the 42nd edition of the iliad Literary-Art Magazine, “Equilibrium,” was the first iliad magazine to be published in color. “Equilibrium’s” theme works to explore reflection, introspection, and clarity through two subsections that are spread throughout 60 pages of work from students at Clarke Central High School.
“Dynamic” is the first subsection of the magazine, illustrating different ways that students view their past experiences. This change in perspective is shown through titles like “Afterwards” and “5 Senses of Disdain.” The pieces featured in “Dynamic” provide readers with a strong introduction to “Equilibrium's” movement theme.
The second, and final, section “Static” opens with a charcoal drawing titled, “Charcoal” by Avery Ray. The piece reflects standstill, by portraying a man who is pensively staring off into space. The drawing convey’s “Statics” message of complex emotions through its dark shadows and attention to detail. “Static” reminds readers that instead of seeking change, we often seek clarity from past experiences.
The Editorial Board who curated “Equilibrium” built their magazine around a theme of using movement to express emotions. Although color is not a necessity for the appreciation of art and design, it provides the iliad with another tool to highlight the creative voices found at CCHS. The 2017 to 2018 team worked to create a precedent of color in iliad magazines that is still found today in 2025.
Spreads from the 2018 iliad, “Equilibrium”
Story by Niles Flath
Niles Flath is a junior at Clarke Central High School in Athens Georgia. She serves as Outreach Director for the iliad Literary-Art Magazine. Flath hopes to make connections with creators both inside and outside the CCHS walls and showcase their work through the iliad program. In her free time, she likes playing tennis, swimming, and hanging out with friends.