With the goal of connecting creatives through riso print work, Riso-Rama highlights independent printers, artists, students and community members with an all-day event. The event will offer a pop-up marketplace of illustrations, art, comics and riso printed works from a variety of local and visiting artists that’s both free to attend and open to the public.
Taking place on Mar. 25, you can find a variety of books, zines, ephemera, handmade objects and more from “a diverse and impressive group of local and regional exhibitors” for purchase while surrounded by a National Juried Exhibition and Showcase. Showcasing brilliant works from more than four dozen artists, the event will also offer a workshop from Sociedad Anónima Reproducción Autogestiva (S.A.R.A.), an independent print studio in Mexico City. Anyone can sign up for the free workshop!
“We believe that art should be accessible to everyone and everywhere, so we choose printmaking as a medium of expression and diffusion,” said Lucia and Rodrigo Suarez of S.A.R.A., “We love to get in touch with our community and expand this community by sharing our knowledge and providing printing solutions to everyone.”
For those unfamiliar with risograph printing, the mechanical printing process combines the style of screen printing with the convenience of a photocopier. Known for its vivid colors and unique textures, the risograph originated in Japan in the late 1940s. The mechanical system was created in response to the rise in the expense of importing inks following World War II and was soon popularized for its unique printing aesthetic and “perfect imperfections,” while offering a more affordable and quick alternative for large-scale printing projects like zines, posters, prints and more.
Riso work maintains its popularity in the independent publishing world today, offering artists a creative and convenient way to share their work in larger quantities. After acquiring their own Risograph, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Department of Art and Design has made an effort to connect with the community through creative expression at events like Weird Corpus’ Papercut Zine Fest, Downtown Corpus Christi’s ArtWalk, Oso Bay Biennial Printmaking Festival and more.
With live music by DJ Jonathan Sosa and food from Marty McPies, the indie publishing event will offer a high-energy environment to learn, connect, collect and celebrate art. Riso-Rama is set for Mar. 25 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Weil Gallery on the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus. Keep up with the event on Instagram.
