Exhibition catalog for "Zines+ And The World Of ABC No Rio"

Identifier:AAR.EC.2014.03

Dimensions:8 1/2"x5 3/4"

Publication dates:2014

Subjects: Zines, exhibition catalogs, fanzines

Description:Catalog for "Zines+ And The World Of ABC No Rio," an exhibition featuring zines shown in the context of art in book form on view at Center for Book Arts July 23-September 27, 2014. Organized by Jason Lujan, Curator. CBA has two copies.

"Zine is an abbreviation of the term fanzine, and in describing its history and uses Thomas Paine and Benjamin Franklin are commonly cited, often alongside 1970’s punk music. By straddling the line between functional brochure and works of art realized in book form, the zine has retained its popularity even as the internet has largely become the preferred method of self-publishing. Zines+ and The World of ABC No Rio, organized by Jason Lujan, is an exhibition that goes beyond the mere form of the zine, which is usually a cheaply-made and priced publication, often in black and white, mass-produced via a photocopier, and bound with staples. The exhibit presents and explains a range of these self-same printed materials, mixing both artists’ original creations with items from the ABC No Rio zine library archives, covering subject matter from arts-community history to political commentary.

The zines will be shown in the context of art in book form. The overall aesthetic reflects a Do-It-Yourself approach, firmly rooted in a downtown New York scene that celebrates volunteerism, art, and activism. The zine form lends itself as a tool for community activism and empower-ment. And, through this exhibition that community’s voice, the lower eastside downtown scene, is clearly articulated.

The Center is pleased to present this engaging exhibition which builds upon The Center’s recent exhibitions of similar vein, such as No More Drama: The Saga Continues, organized by Edwin Ramoran; From Bande Dessinée to Artist’s Book: Testing the Limits of Franco-Belgian Comics, organized by Catherine Labio; and Garo Manga: The First Decade, 1964-1973, organized by Ryan Holmberg. These exhibitions investigate the graphic novel, comics, and other related media as artistic vehicles for self-expression, social activism, and political criticism." -- description from the Center for Book Arts