The Learning Zone

This exhibition captures the raw energy behind zines – self-published works from zine creators with unique perspectives and diverse voices. The DIY culture embodies freedom of expression unlimited to stories, poetry, drawings, collages, comics and perzines while delving head on into current and contemporary political issues.

Zines are artistic in nature driven by a do-it-yourself (DIY) ethos of handmade or photocopied; zines fit comfortably in an exhibition space as an artifact of voices with a growing urgency to be heard.

FREEDOM-HI! An Exhibition of Zines and Documentation from Hong Kong’s Civil Movements

Atom C and Jason Li from Zine Coop installed the Freedom-Hi! exhibition featuring zines and documentation from 2019 Hong Kong’s protests that began over the controversial extradition bill that could send Hong Kong residents to Mainland China to be tried in court.

The passing of this extradition bill, The Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019, would violate the constitutional principle “One Country, Two Systems” which the Chinese government had promised to uphold for 50 years following the handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China in 1997.

This situation, far from being resolved, has created uncertainties and unrests within Hong Kong which are reflected in this exhibition, and the introduction of new zines being added weekly present real time documentation and preservation.

In response, this exhibition highlights and investigates the current social and political climate of Hong Kong. It offers a glimpse into DIY publishing as a vehicle for information dissemination, self expression and creative resistance.

Salam // Wai : Resistance Beyond Borders

Salam // Wai : Resistance Beyond Borders curated by Diaspora Express and Hong Kong Gong draws parallels between Salam// Wai : Resistance Beyond Borders and  Freedom-Hi! April 6, 2019 mark the start of pro-democracy protests in Sudan. A political crisis erupted since the removal of the long-serving ruler, Omar al-Bashir.

…how can we hold space for one another, when our own homes are under attack?

The curators seek to answer this question with bringing both the Sudan and Hong Kong community together with art, zines and family photos.

This is a scaled version of the exhibition that ran at Tea Base in August. A collection of art and zines from two communities sharing parallel experiences. On at the OCAD U Zine Library until October 7.

Download the  Salam//Wai Exhibition Statement by Diaspora Express and Hong Kong Gong

Zine Coop is an indie publishing artist collective that promotes zine culture in Hong Kong. It provides support on zine making and distribution, connecting artists with book fairs while serving as a bridge between distress and potential readers.

www.zinecoop.org / FB: zinecoop / IG: zine_coop

Salisa Jatuweeapong, a third year Digital Futures major presents blown-up comic panels and process sketches from her most recent work, How Do You Love The Storm? a non-linear comic about deciding to love.

How Do You Love The Storm?

It’s about those summer storms in your childhood that disappear just as quickly as they come; about tornado-winds that tangle heartstrings till it’s all knotted yarn; about the hurricane’s overcast being scary, too scary, of a shadow for you to breath in. In less metaphorical terms: it’s about three teenagers on a storm-chasing road trip figuring out emotions as they go.

Salisa got a lot of things she wants to do, and a lot of stories she wants to tell! Find her pretty much always yelling about these kids on Twitter (@salsaeatschips) or Instagram (@ica_agency).

On until September 30