Journal: Singapore Art Book Fair 2018
by Chang Ming Lee
Chang Ming Lee is an artist and publisher based in Singapore. He runs NOPE FUN.
ZINECOOP
ZINECOOP is a group of Hong Kong artists and designers that promote zine culture, linking zinesters, book fairs, zine stores and readers together. Members of the collective include independent publisher Small Tune Press, designer 4res, and illustrator Onion Peterman. Their booth had a wide selection of zines covering anything from film reviews to drawings, as well as hardcover photobooks.
Knuckles & Notch
Knuckles & Notch is a Singaporean independent risograph publishing and print studio founded by two creatives, Djohan Hanapi and Goh Yun Jin. An advocate of DIY publishing culture and the development of Risograph practices in Singapore, naturally I printed my zines with them.
You could spot their booth from a mile away from the florescent pink and bright red riso inks of their prints plastered on the walls. Spreading the good vibes everywhere.
LOST/Volume Press
The booth by Nelson Ng, a Singaporean art director based in Shanghai,carried various magazines from independent publishers from China. It also featured his various projects such as LOST and Brownie Magazine.
Your Local Newsstand
This new Singapore based publisher burst into the scene, putting out 8 titles in just a few months! Their limited edition photography zines take a look a the portraiture, travel and street genres.
Aperture Brought Me Here
Aperture Brought Me Here is Wuthipol Ujathammarat’s self-publishing arm. The Bangkok-based photographer and designer makes striking street compositions with saturated colours. I got a copy of his photo zine “Urban Mess”, a collection of semi-abstract photographs celebrating clutter in urban spaces.
Koshigoe School
I shared a booth with Koshigoe School, also known as Ryuta Abe. What I like about his work is that he is involved in every step of the process of creation: taking photos, developing the film in his own dark room, designing and finally printing zine with his Xerox machine. He made 55 zines in 2 years! Fun fact: he makes his own bags, clothes and electronic music. DIY from head to toe.
Besides the exhibitors, there was a Zine Room which was dedicated Singaporean zine makers and a Zine Library, which showcased works from an open call.
Singapore Art Book Fair ran from June 29th until July 1st, 2018.
