Mark Krotov, the publisher of the renowned literary magazine n+1, balances his professional and personal life in New York City. Alongside his six-year-old daughter, Daria Krotov-Clarke, he immerses himself in the city’s vibrant arts scene, a path made easier by Daria’s enthusiastic reception to new experiences. “She’s always very, very receptive to stuff,” Krotov noted, highlighting their shared journey through cultural engagements.

The Essence of n+1

Founded as a platform for political commentary, essays, and fiction, n+1 celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year. The magazine’s name alludes to an algebraic concept, signifying the ongoing additions to crucial discussions and perspectives, a philosophy that Krotov endeavors to embody in both his work and home life.

A Week of Cultural Exploration

Krotov chronicled a week filled with cultural exposure that culminates in the launch of n+1’s latest issue. Below are highlights from his week, showcasing the rich array of activities he and Daria participated in.

Saturday: An Afternoon of Cartoons

The weekend kicked off with a delightful selection of cartoons at Metrograph. They attended a Valentine’s Day-themed program titled “Lots of ‘Love,’” featuring Felix the Cat’s adventures, which garnered Daria’s approval. Their day continued with a trip to the Center for Architecture, where they joined a family program focused on creating paper skyscrapers.

Sunday: Creative Lantern Making

On Sunday, Krotov and Daria engaged in an art activity at the Noguchi Museum, crafting lanterns from bamboo and mulberry paper. This creative outing was complemented by a double feature of Soviet films at Lincoln Center, where they watched Sergei Parajanov’s “Andriesh,” a fantastical story that Daria enjoyed, followed by a more challenging viewing of “The Eve Before Ivan Kupala” by Yurii Illienko.

Monday: Administrative Duties

Returning to a more formal routine, Monday was filled with meetings and administrative tasks. Krotov used this day to connect with a fellow writer over lunch to discuss an article in progress while attending to the financial aspects of n+1 in preparation for a monthly review with the bookkeeper.

Tuesday: Collaborating on the Magazine

Tuesday was dedicated to editorial meetings, first focusing on the upcoming issue and then discussing a forthcoming book release: Victoria Lomasko’s graphic narrative collection, “The Last Soviet Artist.”

Wednesday: Film and Food

Midweek saw Krotov immersed in writing reviews, including a piece on a Paul Rudolph exhibit at the Met. He also attended a retrospective at Lincoln Center, witnessing the influential documentary “Public Housing” with friends, culminating in a pre-film meal featuring Buffalo wings and cheese curds.

Thursday: Launch Party Preparations

As the launch party for the winter issue approached on Thursday, Krotov engaged in the preparations necessary for hosting the event, which featured readings from contributors sharing their insights and creative works, fostering community within the literary and artistic circles.

Friday: Exploring New Art and Documentaries

The week wrapped up with Krotov visiting an art exhibition titled “41 Floors” just before its closing. This visit led him into a documentary screening of “Notes on Displacement” by Khaled Jarrar, a powerful narrative reflecting on refugee experiences, demonstrating his commitment to cultural engagement that confronts societal issues.