Inside the Pages of SOAP! Periodica
The team behind SOAP! Periodica. Photo courtesy of Aishah Bashir '26
SOAP! Periodica does not sell soap. Periodica isn’t even a real word. Many think SOAP is an acronym for Students of the Art Program. But these guesses are all incorrect.
SOAP! Periodica is the name of a student-run literary art publication in Florence, Italy. And the creativity of its name sums up what the publication represents: bold, new and unconventional art.
Throughout the year, the publication collects art from not just students but artists worldwide. And there is no form of art they won’t accept; whether it be digital, sculpture, fashion, jewelry, paintings, music or mixed media.
The art that is feasible is incorporated in SOAP’s annual print issue, which is unveiled at the end of each semester. Art forms such as music and videos are available on their website.
Right now, SOAP! is working on their fifth issue, Blood Orange, and an exhibition, Notes to Self, which acts as a reflection on the artists and creatives behind SOAP!.
“I think it's really beautiful to see that the skills we learn and the bonds we create are something that we can take away into the professional world,” said Co-Founder Aishah Bashir ‘26.
SOAP! was started during the spring 2024 semester by Ainsley Walter ‘26, who has spent her four years in Florence through the program at Marist University. When Walter had the idea, she brought it to Bashir, who coined SOAP!’s name.
“A lot of people ask what it means, and it’s not an acronym. I like to leave it up to interpretation for people,” said Bashir. “But soap is just soap, and I like how it rolls off the tongue.”
The second half of the name, Periodica, is a spin of the term “periodical issue.”
“I just thought it sounded nice, and part of the whimsy is not having a meaning for it,” Bashir said. “It's what each person wants it to be, and what it means for each person, which I think is very important.”
The “soap” aspect of the publication is tied in through the themes that each issue reflects. Their past issues are Fresh Laundry, Oats and Honey, Mint and Charcoal. This semester’s theme, Blood Orange, represents the rebirth and vitality of spring that the members of SOAP! are welcoming in.
What started as a handful of members has blossomed into a full team of social media managers, layout designers, editors, artist coordinators and more.
“Seeing how every year, not only is the issue looking better, we're all maturing as well, and we're more impassioned about it,” said Bashir. “And seeing that [artists] are taking it just as seriously as any other class, other work, it really simulates a real work environment.”
Many members of the team are graduating this year, so ensuring SOAP! is in good hands was a priority this semester. However, with each creative vision, SOAP! evolves each year; only time will tell what summer’s issue will look like.
The initiative also allows students and artists to interact with the local community in Florence. Bashir noted how difficult it is to be accepted into magazines and professional opportunities in Florence due to the high competition, but SOAP! is open to anyone.
“I think it's really important for people to have a platform to share their creations and voices in a judgment-free area, and in a very inclusive and accepting manner,” Bashir said. “It has strengthened the community… It also allows us to interact a bit more with the students who are here for one semester, the students who aren't going to Marist, but are going to Lorenzo de Medici. It's like a community that everyone can be involved in.”