Tokyo Art Book Fair 2022
We were happy to collaborate with Japanese risoprinter Hand Saw Press and Riso Kagaku for our participation at Tokyo Art Book Fair 2022, as well as the organisers of TABF that welcomed us to taking part in this years program.
Bergen artists and long time Pamflett collaborators Siv Støldal and Åshild Kanstad Johnsen joined in where they hosted workshops for TABF's audience. Pamflett's Ann-Kristin Stølan was honoured to take part in a panel discussion with TABF director Atsushi Hamanaka about the role of art book fairs.
This participation was made possible with support from Bergen city, Office of Contemporary Arts, Doga, Tokyo Art Book Fair and Grafill.
Taking in the contrasts of the Tokyo streets...
The day after arrival, we visited the RISO Kagaku HQ, where we were interviewed about our use of the Gocco Pro and risographs, sharing insights into how we incorporate these tools into our creative process.
We received an introduction to the new machines — the risograph and Gocco Pros. Åshild’s Kubbe made an appearance.
Hot off the press from Hand Saw Press: Bergen Art Book Journal! The magazine features articles on artists' books in Norway, the Bergen Art Book Fair, a profile on Norsk Risoforening, and interviews with artists Siv and Åshild. All texts were translated into Japanese by Martin Fausa, with invaluable support from Hand Saw Press, who also joined the fair as our much-needed interpreter. The publication was made possible with support from OCA.
After our visit to Hand Saw Press and another interview with RISO, we were treated to an unforgettable dinner near the Hand Saw Press studio, a great end to a long day!
The following day, we set up for the fair at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. As part of the program, the Norwegian Risograph Association curated an exhibition showcasing contemporary Norwegian risograph art.
Our table at Tokyo Art Book Fair, in the printers section on the 1st floor!
Our exhibition was up — proudly installed right next to the legends of Knust.
T-shirt workshop with Siv (and Martin), together with the Gocco Pro team from RISO Kagaku Inc. Each participant created their own collage-based design to be printed over Siv Støldal’s signature logo — a fun and hands-on workshop where participants got to try printing themselves — and take home a personalized T-shirt.
A fun risograph workshop for kids, led by Åshild, Kubbe, and Martin, with support from RISO Kagaku Inc., who provided the machines and materials. Inspired by Åshild's concept of "The Perfect Room" from Tomas Espedal's book Bergeners, participants could choose from three rooms Åshild had illustrated, bringing them to life with drawings and cut-outs. The room’s interior was printed in one color, while the participants' creations were layered on top in a different color, combining art and storytelling through print.
Talk about the inception and organizing of Bergen Art Book Fair, Anki in conversation with Atsushi Hamanaka of Tokyo Art Book Fair. Event info here
The neighourhood by the museum by night, after a long day at the fair.
The neighourhood by the museum by day, the early morning coffee, and the mid-day coffee break.
Meeting fellow exhibitors — always a highlight! We especially love the Zine’s Mate section, where emerging artists and zine makers bring great energy and fun ideas!
After the fair, we hopped on the shinkansen to Osaka to RetroJam to participate in a mini-fair for Culture Day, and visit Hand Saw Press Kyoto!