Discovering the Dynamic Street Art and Graffiti of Preveza, Greece

While on a family Easter holiday in Preveza, Greece, I was captivated by the vibrant street art that blankets this picturesque coastal city. The urban landscape is alive with a rich tapestry of graffiti, tags, protest posters, and football-related art, each piece reflecting unique aspects of local and national culture

The Influence of Greek Football in Preveza's Street Art

Preveza’s urban landscapes are marked by vivid football tags that capture the essence of Greek football culture. These artworks often reference well-known incidents at football matches, reflecting the passionate, sometimes tumultuous, spirit of Greek football fans. This blend of sports and art uniquely illustrates local enthusiasm and regional team rivalries. Our recent publication, "Tifo: The Art of Football Fan Stickers," delves deeper into this phenomenon, featuring a collection of football stickers from Preveza. Explore this book on our Stickerbomb shop.

Capturing the tags and Graffiti

The graffiti in Preveza is raw. It’s fun, lively and for some (like me) engaging. There are clearly artists who live locally or tourists who visit and paint but many of the tags and pieces could be considered 'toy'—a term used to describe inexperienced or just rubbish graffiti artists.

A Snapshot of Sociopolitical Discourse: Protest Posters

Interspersed among the colorful artworks are poignant protest posters that respond to current events - particularly Palestine. These posters are a direct and powerful medium through which locals express their concerns and serve as a raw, unfiltered look into the community's pressing concerns and are a vital part of the city's street art scene.

Collaborative Endeavors in Street Art

Adding to our exploration of street art in Greece, we recently collaborated with Proheroes, a renowned street artist not from Preveza, but from Nea Makri, on a project titled "No Signal." This book, available on our Stickerbomb shop, explores the intricate art of human connection through his unique perspective. Read more about our collaboration with Proheroes and "No Signal" here.

Rotterdam Book Store Day Trip

When Rotterdam comes to mind, I think of modern architecture, busy harbors, and grey skies. What wasn’t anticipated was the plethora of bookstores nestled in the city.

On a swift day trip, we GOT to some #inreallife book store exploring.

Donner is an impressive landmark in Rotterdam, a grand and beautiful establishment stretching across several floors. Alongside a coffee shop and a second-hand section, it serves a diverse clientele. As the most commercial bookstore we visited, Donner still managed to charm us with its wide selection of magazines in various languages, showcasing an immense collection that beckoned any book lover.

Our favored spot was the intimate and excellently stocked Van Gennep. It epitomizes the ideal bookstore with a judiciously selected range of literature, arts, photography, and children's books. It stands out as a beloved staple in Rotterdam and it’s exactly the type of bookstore that we would love to see our book stocked in.

De Slegte came next, presenting itself as a general all-around bookstore with a broad, albeit standard, selection. It had a little bit of everything, making it a reliable stop for general readers.

The NAI Booksellers bookstore, housed in the foyer of the Nieuwe Instituut offered a niche retreat, focusing on architecture and urban design. This specialized shop, associated with the Nederlands Architectuurinstituut, is a gold mine for those vested in the nuances of our built environments, offering scholarly resources and accessible publications alike. It’s a lovely space, with an attached cafe and of course exhibitions and shows, but it would be wonderful to see them expand their title list out of architecture and urbanism into photography.

Finally, Vide Books presented a fresh perspective as a new art/design bookstore. Located inside Huidenclub this is a great space with clearly some wonderful shows. With a curated selection of books that touch on contemporary culture, graphic design, and artistic research, it's a space that also ties into the local exhibition scene with related titles and hosts vibrant events and book launches.

Each bookstore we visited not only had its character, vibe, and identity, but they all had great staff. Looking forward to heading back now to check some other shops and start spreading our titles across the Netherlands.

“When Forms Come Alive” at Hayward Gallery in London

When Forms Come Alive is a fun sensory exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in London.

Inspired by dance, movement, growth, and flow, it spans 60 years of contemporary art and is a surreal way to spend a morning during half-term with a 6-year-old.

Close-up view of Tara Donovan, Untitled (Mylar), When Forms Come Alive (7 February — 6 May 2024).

Curated superbly by Ralph Rugoff, this captivating showcase invites visitors to explore the tactile and dynamic creations of 21 acclaimed artists. From the mesmerizing installations of DRIFT and Eva Fàbregas to the thought-provoking works of Michel Blazy, Marguerite Humeau, Tara Donovan, Teresa Solar Abboud, and more.


Everything in the show is a trip, with bursts of color, intriguing textures, and mesmerizing shapes enveloping you from every angle.

A Subsequent Offering by EJ Hill

This wooden rollercoaster with neon tracks by EJ Hill was great fun to see and if you check out his other works you can see he often photographs rollercoasters. Eva Fàbregas’s installation Pumping was a complete eye-opener. From not reading about it and not having huge context to her work it was clear that she uses everyday items and turns them into oversized organs which you can walk around and lightly interact with. The organs resemble giant intestines or even large faceless worms and works hand in hand with some excellent sound design pumping out low-fi frequencies which gives life to the sculpture.

“Pumping” by Eva Fàbregas, Hayward Gallery (February 7—May 6, 2024)

“Bouquet Final” by Michel Blazy, Hayward Gallery (February 7—May 6, 2024

My 6 year old son’s favourite piece was Bouquet Final by Michel Blazy. Foam caught in stillness that cascades down in all directions.

For me alongside from Eva Fàbregas’s installation Pumping, I really enjoyed Tara’s Donovans ‘Untitled (Mylar)’ which to me looks like shiny molecules constructed out of sheets of metallic film, folded into spheres and presented in an oversized way that makes you feel a bit lunar. It was grandiose, thought provoking and slightly futurisitic.

Marguerite Humeau, the French artist, was my last big takeaway from the show. Her work employs beeswax, walnut wood, and microcrystalline wax to create a tree-like structure that sprouts clusters of tiered honeycombs, reminiscent of waterlilies or pale chrysanthemums. Upon closer inspection, the scent is overwhelming, emanating from the translucent globules atop the structure. Interestingly, these globules contain the venom of wasps. Humeau's art blends ancient and modern elements, evoking a sense of both nostalgia and innovation.

‘The Holder of Wasp Venom’ (2023) by Marguerite Humeau

All the sculptures felt very otherworldly and have a dystopian o even futuristic vibe to them. It is a first rate collection of work that speaks directly to the viewer and even with such great sound and motion, the show is so much more than just a sensory experience.

'A blast from first to last ... This is a tremendous show'

The Observer

Southbank Centre

It's 2024...Forthcoming Titles

Happy New Year All. Thrilled to share some info on some forthcoming titles. From our visual-only "Bloc 02" to the vibrant world of football fan stickers in "TIFO: The Art of Football Fan Stickers," and journeying through Remi Rough's graffiti legacy in "B-Sides and Outtakes," there's something for every art lover to anticipate.

Ronald Lubega in Bloc 02

Bloc 02: A Picture-Only Art Journal

BLOC 01 was a bit of a success for us last year and we’re happy to say we’re going to turn this into a series of picture-only art journals. We can already confirm Switzerland-based artists Ronald Lubega and Bustart. We’re also featuring Brazilian artist Yumi Shimada and from France Brunograffer and Spanish artist Juan Diaz Faes. We’ve got a few more to confirm soon but we’re really excited about this release and where we can take it.

We have a few copies of BLOC 01 available, so grab a copy before they are all gone.

Kid Crayon: Honour Amongst Thieves

Meet Kid Crayon, the Bristol-based artist and self-proclaimed "Urban Decorator." Known for painting the streets with fun and out-there characters, Kid Crayon's art is a playful blend of crayon-inspired charm and urban vibrancy. Another release we’re excited about and he’s a great artist who’s been wonderful to collaborate with. We have his title available now for pre-order now.

TIFO: The Art of Football Fan Stickers

As we gear up for Euros 2024 in Germany, "TIFO: The Art of Football Fan Stickers" is meticulously crafted to be your perfect companion for the iconic football tournament. With a lot of untold stories of the beautiful game told through football sticker art, contributions from award-winning author James Montague, and Design Museum's Eleanor Watson, this book is a celebration of the diverse voices shaping football into a global cultural phenomenon.

B-Sides and Outtakes

Introducing "B-Sides and Outtakes," the latest addition to the renowned "Hello My Name is" series. This documentary art book delves into the life and work of graffiti and street artist Remi Rough. From his early days as a graffiti writer to his current status as an internationally acclaimed artist and music producer, this book captures the evolution of Remi's iconic abstract compositions. Join us on a visual and emotional journey into the mind of a pioneering luminary in the graffiti and street art world.

Stay tuned for more updates, release dates, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content as we bring these exciting projects to life. The art world is evolving, and we invite you to be part of the journey!

Reflecting on Year One: Soi Books' Inaugural Journey

As we approach the end of our inaugural year at Soi Books, we're gearing up for some reflective moments over the Christmas and New Year break. It's been a big year for us, from the excitement of our kick-off to the launching of titles and the whirlwind of book fair adventures.

Highlights of Year One

1. Producing Titles

Diving head first into producing titles was the only way to build experience and start building our list of titles. With a total of 13 releases under our belt for 2023, we worked hard this year to generate concepts, commission titles, design and layout books, and get some momentum behind the business.

2. Being Global and Remote

From the London Book Fair to the Frankfurt Book Fair to the Jakarta Art Book Fair. We did some flying around and spread our wings. We connected with professionals, enthusiasts, creatives, and more. And despite the key crew being scattered across different locations we’ve made it work. Soi Books remains remote, with studios in London and Brussels, and our MD holding the fort in Dubai.

3. Seeing Our Books in Retail

Seeing our books in shops across the world has made it all worth it. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but knowing we are improving our routes to market means we know better sales as we grow.

The Craft Beer Sticker Book in Tsutaya Daikanyama

Key Learnings

1. Flexibility is Key

In the world of publishing, adaptability is crucial. Our ability to pivot, adjust, and make changes has been crucial in finding the right solutions.

2. Keep Moving

From keeping our stock moving to keeping the ideas flowing and being experimental, we didn’t sit still this year and that helped build momentum.

3. Listen

From key advisors to readers, our audience, and of course the authors. Being able to listen improved ideas and helped us collaborate.

Looking Forward to 2024

Stepping into 2024, the horizon looks promising. With a plethora of titles in the pipeline, Soi Books is set to continue its mission of uncovering all aspects of urban culture to readers around the world. We're optimistic, excited, and ready for the adventures that lie ahead.

Exploring Asian Futurism: A Cultural Odyssey into Tomorrow

In a world increasingly shaped by technological advancements and cultural diversity, the concept of Asian futurism has emerged as a powerful and thought-provoking movement. Similar to the well-known Afro-futurism, Asian futurism marries elements of science fiction, culture, and race to create a captivating exploration of what the future holds for Asian societies.

Xeme, a Hong Kong graffiti writer - images from his title ‘Kowloon Bustle’

The Essence of Asian Futurism

Asian futurism stands as a creative and visionary movement that imagines the future through the lens of Asian culture, experiences, and perspectives. Unlike the concept of Techno-orientalism, which has sometimes perpetuated fetishized stereotypes, Asian futurism places Asian creators and their thoughts at the forefront. This shift in perspective allows for a more genuine and diverse representation of the future, unburdened by preconceived notions.

Emergence and Influences

While Asian futurism is a relatively new concept, it has quickly gained momentum within the realms of literature, film, television, and street art. Notable examples like Truong Minh Quý's 2019 film "The Tree House" offer a glimpse into this imaginative world. The movie weaves a narrative about Vietnamese people living in the jungle while being narrated by a man residing on Mars in the year 2045. This juxtaposition of the past, present, and future within an Asian context exemplifies the essence of Asian futurism.


Asian Futurism in Literature and Film

Literature and film have played significant roles in the propagation of Asian futurism. Authors and filmmakers are increasingly exploring this genre, offering audiences fresh and thought-provoking narratives. Works like "The Three-Body Problem" by Liu Cixin and "The Devourers" by Indra Das are exemplary, as they blend elements of Asian culture and futurism seamlessly, paving the way for a new wave of speculative fiction.

Asian Futurism in Street Art

The realm of street art, too, has embraced Asian futurism as a recurring theme. Graffiti and street art have a unique ability to reflect contemporary societal narratives, and artists like Xeme, Chip7, and Suiko have made significant contributions to this movement.

Xeme and Chip7, featured artists in Soi Books' diverse international graffiti collection, have masterfully combined traditional Asian concepts with futuristic themes in their work. Their art serves as a visual representation of the collision between the past and the future, captivating viewers with its vivid imagery.

Hiroshima-based artist Suiko adds his unique touch to Asian futurism through his work. Drawing inspiration from his city's rich history and the resilience of its people, Suiko's art reflects the fusion of Hiroshima's past and a future filled with hope.

Conclusion

Asian futurism is a dynamic and evolving movement that offers a fresh perspective on what the future may hold for Asian societies. It transcends traditional boundaries, allowing creators to envision a future where Asian culture and innovation are central. As the movement continues to grow, it will undoubtedly contribute to a more diverse and inclusive representation of the future in art, literature, and film, challenging our perceptions and broadening our horizons. So, whether you're exploring the pages of a novel, watching a futuristic film, or admiring graffiti on the streets, keep an eye out for the captivating world of Asian futurism—it's a journey worth embarking upon.

Back on home ground with the Jakarta Art Book Fair

Diving headfirst into the Jakarta Art Book Fair for the first time was like stepping into a whirlwind of creativity! Held in Blok M, this event was a melting pot of over 50 exhibitors, bringing together the best from Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the UK. It was a mash-up of styles, stories, and art from all over the place, a real feast for the eyes and the soul.

Reflecting on the Jakarta Art Book Fair feels like flipping through a rolodex of professional connections and creative discoveries. This year's fair served not just as a send-off for Steve Aston, our Soi Books Managing Director, as he readies for a shift to the Middle East, but also as a platform for exciting collaborations and encounters with a diverse array of publishers, retailers, and creative minds.

Among the standout encounters were dialogues with notable publishers like Jordan Jordan Édition, whose curated collection was wonderful to see and we’re happy to announce one of their titles has now found a new home on our Stickerbomb site. Additionally, our collaboration with Cahyati Press from Bali who now stock our 'Hello My Name Is' Series, highlights the mutual benefit reaped through symbiotic relationships within the industry.

Binatang Press, Soundpocket from Hong Kong, and the precision-driven Harapan Prima Printers showcased the depth and breadth of creativity and craftsmanship present at the fair. The network and potential for future engagements with these entities are a testament to the growth and connectivity of the regional creative landscape.

Furthermore, Pass The Peas made a fun impression with their merchandise offerings, their love of music and some creative titles. Our discussions and engagements with publishers and other small businesses highlight the diverse and multifaceted creative exchanges that define events like the Jakarta Art Book Fair. These moments allow us to freely exchange ideas, engage in informal conversations, and gain valuable insights into the creative landscape.

The enthusiastic reception from Jakarta's burgeoning community of book enthusiasts and art aficionados was deeply gratifying. This city, teeming with exceptional artists, remains a hidden gem, a vibrant hub of creativity and inspiration.

The Jakarta Art Book Fair has been a testament to the evolving landscape of creativity and commerce in Southeast Asia. While this chapter draws to a close, it signifies not an end, but a transition to a new phase of growth and opportunities, and we eagerly anticipate our continued professional engagement with this vibrant community in Jakarta and beyond.

Thanks to everyone who came, said hello, bought some of our books and helped us have a great experience at the Jakarta Art Book Fair. Bigups Fandy and the entire Jakarta Art Book Fair team - look forward to being part of 2024!

Our First Frankfurt Book Fair Experience

It was Soi Books' first time in Frankfurt, and I've got to say, it was a remarkable experience. All our doubts about potentially visiting vanished within a few moments of getting in and having a wander around. Unfortunately, we couldn't make it to any sessions due to a jam-packed schedule of meetings and non-stop networking but that’s a good thing really.

For those who might not be in the know, the Frankfurt Book Fair is a colossal trade event that brings together literary enthusiasts and creative minds from every corner of the globe. It's not just about authors and publishers; this fair is a bustling hub for anyone and everyone involved in the book business. I'm talking logistics, printers, operations, sales agents, rights specialists, and of course, publishers – you name it, they're there.


A Bittersweet Moment

Yet, amidst the jubilation and camaraderie, we couldn't ignore the shadow cast by a disappointing incident. The cancellation of the award ceremony for Palestine-born novelist and essayist, Adania Shibli was disheartening and seems to be a decision that defies the very essence of literature.

#IRL (In Real Life)

For our team, scattered across the globe as a remote crew, the Frankfurt Book Fair was the rare opportunity for us to meet in person. We got to have our own face-to-face meetings, tackle challenges head-on, and together as a team connect with our partners on a more personal level. In a world dominated by digital screens, this was an invaluable experience, one that breathed life into our collaborations and solidified the bonds we had formed.

End Of Year One

As we looked back on our journey, it hit us that the Frankfurt Book Fair also marked the end of our first year in the publishing world. It was like a chance to throw a little party for all the hard work, dedication, and passion we poured into creating our books and connecting with readers.

What made it even sweeter was seeing that all that effort was starting to pay off with more sales, growth, and, most importantly, loads of valuable experience. Amid all the running around at this massive event, our first go at the Frankfurt Book Fair reminded us how books and stories bring people together, how important inclusivity is, and how the arts can be a unifying force.

Hello La Source Brewery Brussels

Ryo Sanada, lead designer, Head creative, and co-founder at Soi Books headed down to check out La Source and drop off some of our Craft Beer Sticker Books.

Based in Brussels, La Source is a wonderful microbrewery and has become one of the nicest spots around Brussels. Its a great business and it was great meeting Nina Carleer who designs and brands each beer recipe.

We’re super happy to have her designs and the brewery represented in our book. You can find out more info about them over here and if you haven’t gone and bought a copy of our book yet, check out our Stickerbomb World Store to find it now!

Also for more info on Nina herself, check out these articles in Beer.be and Beer City Brussels.

Capturing the Essence: Exploring Hua Lamphong in 'Bangkok Station' by Tim Russell

We’re really Excited to share a recent chat we had with BANGKOK-BASED photographer Tim Russell WHOM we recently worked with to publish his photography book Bangkok Station.

What was your process in capturing these images?

The images are the result of seven years of repeat visits to the station, probably 15-20 times a year. As I say in the introduction, Hua Lamphong is like a playground for photographers, a location with varying lighting and backdrops where you can shoot street, portraits, documentary, travel, architecture, abstract, and more all in one place, though my focus is mainly on the people who use and work at the station.

It's usually a case of seeing someone interesting, having a chat with them, and then asking if it's OK to shoot them, and in Thailand the answer is nearly always yes. Once you get that rapport going people are usually happy for you to take as long as you want getting the right shot. 

any particular stories or moments when shooting Hua Lamphong that made an impact on you?

I think my favourite moment was with Pattarapong, the green flag guy in this picture.

Somehow he saw my tweet and messaged me to ask if he could buy the print. I got his address and sent him a gift of two prints I made of him, and he posed with them in front of his train.

Other than that, just the hundreds of small interactions with the people I photograph. Bangkokians are some of the friendliest people on Earth and they make taking photographs here an absolute joy. 

What do you want people to take away from the book?

Memories. I know a lot of the people who've already ordered the book have a lot of affection for Hua Lamphong and I hope it will serve as a reminder of what a special place the station was now it is in the process of closing down.

I also think it's a time capsule for the 'old' Bangkok of Italian-designed architecture, orange-robed monks, rickety old trains, food vendors, free haircuts, and loveable eccentrics. That side of the city is getting harder to find so I hope I've captured it here. 

It’s still early days, but have you received any feedback from people who’ve seen early drafts of the book?

Yes, reactions have been uniformly positive thankfully and I'm looking forward to getting physical copies into people's hands. I think most photographers and artists in general suffer from impostor syndrome to a degree so putting your work out in public is always a nervous moment, but it's been very well received so far. 

How has it been working with the team at Soi Books?

Excellent! It's nice to have someone handle all the stuff I'm not so good at - layout, design, distribution etc, etc. It allows me to focus on the images. Shaz and Ryo have been really helpful and encouraging so far and I've really enjoyed working with them. I know we're all photography book virgins so it's been a bit of a journey of discovery but I think we've come up with something really special. 

Any future projects you would like to share?

I'm fully involved in Bangkok Station at the moment so don't really have time to think of what the next project will be! I've been photographing Bangkok's underground music scene for the last couple of years so I think there's definitely a book or at least a zine in there somewhere, as there is so much warmth and energy in the photos that they need to be seen. So maybe that. But let's wait until Bangkok Station sells a million and wins lots of awards, then I'll think about the next thing.

No Signal: A Journey into the Art of Human Connection

In today's screen-dominated world, where the constant barrage of information can leave us feeling suffocated, Greek street artist Pro Heroes 015 offers a breath of fresh air through his thought-provoking artistry. "No Signal" his first art book is not just a book; it's an exploration of the lost signals that bind us to the virtual world, sparking a powerful dialogue about authentic interaction. Staff writer Abena Ayisi caught up with Pro Heroes 015 who invites us to share his journey from the streets of Greece to a global stage where his art transcends boundaries and speaks to the very heart of what it means to connect.

The Artistry of Pro Heroes 015

Pro Heroes 015, a street artist with a unique vision, confronts the suffocating aspects of modern society through his art. In a recent interview, he revealed his favorite themes to paint: "oxygen masks on animals" and the "contact" we've lost between each other due to our screens.

In Pro Heroes' world, animals are not just subjects; they are symbols of freedom and confinement. His art depicts sea creatures like turtles and fish wearing oxygen masks, a poignant portrayal of how these beings must adapt to a worsening environment due to human actions. As they struggle for survival, their plight forces us to confront the harm we are causing to the natural world.

The Human Connection

But Pro Heroes goes beyond animals; he also explores the impact of technology on our lives. His artwork featuring screen images superimposed onto humans serves as a powerful metaphor for how we have become consumed by our devices. We are smothered by technology, losing our connections with one another in the process. Through his art, he forces us to acknowledge the consequences of our addiction to screens and the importance of rekindling genuine human contact.

Pro Heroes' art not only captivates with its beauty but also raises awareness about the pressing issues of our modern society. By confronting us with the suffocation of animals and the erosion of human connections, he does his part to spread awareness and encourage change.

"No Signal" is more than just an art book; it's a call to action. It challenges us to break free from the screens that confine us, urging us to rediscover the profound beauty of genuine human contact through art. Pro Heroes 015's work is a powerful reminder that, in a world dominated by technology, we must not forget the essence of what it means to truly connect with one another and the world around us.

Chasing Walls From Russia To China

MART or Martin from X3K crew has HAD a crazy art journey moving from rural Russia to the megalopolis of Chongqing in China, staff writer Abena Ayisi caught up with HIM about his new book, Chasing Walls.

The artist Martin is known for beautiful and vibrant graffiti, but when did it all start and how did his journey with painting begin? In his home country of Russia, Martin began painting graffiti in middle school because of a very middle school reason: it was “cool.” Although he frequently got in trouble, he continued getting into more complicated graffiti as he got older. He then had a change of scenery when he moved to China for university. When I asked him about when he began doing graffiti in China, he told me that “he waited a year” after he arrived because he didn’t know the many important factors involved. After he was more sure of himself, he went on his scooter looking for discreet places to paint.

In Russia, Martin’s graffiti was silver and black, which he considered the best choice as it would “fit” every building. In China, there was a stark difference, everything was bright and colorful, and without him even realizing it, his art changed to reflect his surroundings.

The colors aren’t the only difference between the graffiti scene in Russia versus China. When Martin began painting in China he didn’t get into as much trouble, people liked his graffiti, and they liked his coloring. Now, business people actually commission him to paint their hotels, bars, and clubs. Some want him to copy pictures from the internet, (to which he replies “you can get students to do that”) others want logos and branding.

How We…Made Our First Graffiti Art Book: Rackgaki, Japanese Graffiti

So we wanted to share some of our stories of how we made some of our earliest works. Today’s post looks at the creation of our first-ever book, Rackgaki, Japanese Graffiti.

It all began when we embarked on a thrilling trip to Japan, armed with cameras and a passion for urban art. Our mission was to capture the essence of Japan's graffiti scene, to meet and collaborate with talented artists, and to bring their incredible works to a wider audience.

From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the vibrant neighborhoods of Osaka, we immersed ourselves in the artistry and creativity that adorned the city walls. Armed with lenses and video cameras, we documented the incredible talent and captured the spirit of the Japanese graffiti culture.

After an awe-inspiring journey filled with colorful tags, stunning murals, and mind-bending stencils, we returned to London, bursting with excitement and a treasure trove of visual material. Enter Laurence King Publishing, nestled in the heart of Bloomsbury, the vibrant hub of UK publishing. They believed in our vision and recognized the magic we had experienced in Japan.

Collaborating with Laurence King was a dream come true. They saw the potential in our footage and photographs and encouraged us to translate our adventure into a remarkable book. The idea was to showcase the raw energy, unique styles, and cultural significance of Japanese graffiti. We wanted to provide a platform for these talented artists and shed light on their often-underappreciated work.

And so, "RackGaki: Japanese Graffiti" was born. It became our passion project, meticulously piecing together the vibrant pieces of Japan's urban art puzzle. But a book is more than just its content; it's a visual experience from cover to cover. That's where ESOW, the talented artist and designer, stepped in. With a stroke of creativity, ESOW crafted a captivating cover that perfectly encapsulated the essence of our book.

We were driven by the connections we felt with the graffiti and street art community. Prior to "RackGaki," we had released a documentary called "Scratching the Surface: Japan," which delved into the world of Japanese hip-hop. It was through this exploration that we discovered a profound affinity for the graffiti artists and illustrators who brought the streets to life. Their work fascinated us, inspiring us to delve deeper into their stories and showcase their talent through our book.

"RackGaki: Japanese Graffiti" is not just a collection of photographs and stories; it's a celebration of a vibrant subculture and a testament to the dedication and passion of the artists. We hope that through our book, readers can gain a newfound appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of Japanese graffiti.

So there you have it—a glimpse into the incredible journey that led to the creation of "RackGaki: Japanese Graffiti." We hope you enjoyed this relaxed blog post and feel inspired to explore the dynamic world of street art, wherever your travels may take you. Stay creative and keep embracing the beauty of urban art!

Plaza 01: A Captivating Journey into Southeast Asian Street Photography

Plaza is not your average photography journal. It's a window into the world of street photography, shining a spotlight on the talents of emerging and established photographers from around the globe. For its first few issues, Plaza has set its sights on Southeast Asia, a region brimming with diversity, culture, and endless photographic possibilities.

The debut issue of Plaza is an absolute feast for the eyes. Picture this: 18 incredibly talented photographers from the ASEAN nations—Aziziah Diah Aprilya from Indonesia (@aziziahprilya), Azrizal Abu Che from Singapore (@iamazrizal), Bill Sataya from Indonesia (@billsatya), Callie Eh from Malaysia (@callie_eh), Christian Tâm Schalch from Vietnam (@crispycriss), Derrick Ong from Malaysia (@derrickrecordsthestreets), Edmond Leong from Malaysia (@edmondstreetz), Jamie Winder from Singapore (@j_blinder), Kaylie Ong from Singapore (@kayliescomet), Khai Yussof from Brunei (@khaidiscovery), Merik from Thailand (@merik_zero), Pokchat Worasub from Thailand, Samantha Radaza from the Philippines (@sammy__samsam), Sansitny Ruth from Cambodia (@sansitny), Sinsee Ho from Malaysia (@sinseeho), Suridh Das-Hassan from Indonesia (@shazdirector), Thet Oo Maung from Myanmar (website), and Zach Driggs from Vietnam (@slightlylost_x.jpg))—have joined forces to bring you a collection of black-and-white street photographs that will leave you in awe.

Through their lenses, Plaza captures the spirit and essence of Southeast Asia like never before. Flip through the pages, and you'll find yourself immersed in a tapestry of emotions—moments of pure joy, deep contemplation, and unabashed curiosity. Each photograph tells a story, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who call this region home.

We've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the incredible artists featured in our debut issue.

Aziziah Diah Aprilya takes us on a captivating journey through Mariso, Makassar, Indonesia—check out the interview here. Samantha Radaza shares her street-focused photography insights and experiences—discover her interview here. Christian Tâm Schalch provides a glimpse into the life and streets of Vietnam—explore his interview here. Sinsee Ho presents excerpts from his visual poetry book, showcasing the essence of Kuala Lumpur—immerse yourself in his interview here. Callie Eh invites us to live in the moment through her photography—delve into her interview here. And Edmond Leong shares his unique perspective on street photography—don't miss his interview here.

Plaza is now open for submissions for its upcoming second issue! If you've got a passion for street photography and a unique perspective to share, and you are based in Southeast Asia or have some great pics of ASEAN, we want to see your work.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the team at Southeast Globe, particularly Daniel Marchette and Molly Dunlap, for writing a fantastic piece on Plaza. We greatly appreciate their support and contribution in spreading the word about our platform. You can check out their insightful article on Plaza here.

Plaza is now available for sale on our webstore www.stickerbombworld.com. For those in Indonesia, you can also find it on our Tokopedia store here. And soon, Plaza will be available in retailers near you, so keep an eye out for it!

Interested in submitting to the next issue of Plaza - email us directly at info@soibooks.com

Private View Visit, Drawing Daphne at the Show Studio, London

We were excited to attend the private view of "Drawing Daphne" at Show Studio, supporting Rashad al-Karooni. This captivating exhibition merged Honourable Daphne Guinness' private couture collection with fashion illustrations, inspired by Nick Knight's "Hip, Neck, Spine" music video.

Showcasing over 300 life drawings by 12 contemporary artists, the installation recreated the vibrant energy of the set. With Daphne's couture outfits, fashion illustrations, and Andrew Tomlinson's set design, visitors are transported into the enchanting universe Knight envisioned for the video. A remarkable celebration of fashion and art.