The theme of the first Metropolis M issue of 2022 is "original". This refers to the changing interest in origin. There used to be a time where art was about circulation, repetition and reproduction. 

In today's world there is a growing interest in autobiographical work, in exploring your own heritage and it's origin. 

Tja Ling Hu illustrates the story of her ancestors in Before I Was Born, published by Jap Sam Books. The reader follows the journey Tja Ling's family made from China to the Netherlands between the 1930's and 1970's in 14 interconnected drawings. 

Metropolis M interviewed Tja Ling about her work, the issue that features the interview can be ordered here