New Brooklyn Museum Exhibition Celebrates Zines as an Artistic Revolution
With over 800 objects on display, the Brooklyn Museum has unveiled a groundbreaking new exhibit titled “Copy Machine Manifestos” that offers an in-depth exploration of the world of zines. The exhibit showcases the revolutionary impact of zines on the art and journalism scene, highlighting the democratizing role these DIY publications played in the 20th century and their enduring relevance in the digital age.
Zines, known for their unruly and unpredictable nature, require minimal resources to produce, making them a vehicle for artists to express their vision without the constraints of traditional publishing. The exhibition’s co-curator, Drew Sawyer, emphasized the impossibility of achieving a comprehensive overview of the history of zines, given their extensive and diverse nature. Nevertheless, the exhibition strives to capture the essence of the zine scene and its transformative power.
A defining aspect of zine culture is the open and participatory nature that encourages feedback and collaboration from readers, sparking a continuous cycle of zine creation. As co-curator and art historian Branden Joseph noted, the raw and unrefined qualities of zines allow artists to unleash their creativity and hone their voices with unprecedented freedom.
The exhibit delves into the origins of zine production, beginning in the late 1960s and 1970s when artists first integrated zines into their work. By examining the intersections of zine production with countercultural movements, rock music subcultures, and artistic communities, the exhibition sheds light on the pivotal role zines have played in shaping cultural communities throughout history.
“Copy Machine Manifestos” also explores the waves of intense zine production tied to movements such as punk, feminism, and queer creativity, as well as the ongoing relevance of zines in the contemporary world. The exhibition provides a comprehensive look into the evolution and impact of zines from an art historical perspective, aiming to present an alternative history of 20th-century art that celebrates marginalized artists and their contributions.
Sawyer expressed hope that the exhibition would inspire audiences to recognize the central role of zines in contemporary art, representing a vibrant and enduring medium that continues to flourish. As the zine scene experiences renewed interest from artists, “Copy Machine Manifestos” serves as a testament to the enduring power and relevance of zines in the visual material culture of the past 50 years.
The groundbreaking exhibition challenges traditional narratives of art history and highlights the pivotal role of zines in shaping cultural communities and artistic expressions. “Copy Machine Manifestos” is a testament to the resilience and enduring significance of zines as a democratizing force in the art and journalism scene.