In the vibrant artistic landscape of India, zines have emerged as a powerful tool for self-expression and social commentary. These self-published mini works, often in the form of photocopied, folded, or stapled booklets, are gaining traction among creative minds and communities. According to an article on Deccan Chronicle1, zines are not just artistic expressions but also mediums for activism on issues like body positivity, caste, gender, sexuality, environmental concerns, LGBTQ+ rights, and mental health awareness.
The Essence of Zines
Pearl D’Souza, a Mumbai-based illustrator and visual artist, highlights the freedom that zines offer. She explains that when traditional publishing was expensive and inaccessible, people turned to zines to spread their ideas uncensored. Today, while making zines has become easier, they remain relevant for artists seeking unfiltered expression. Pearl’s work often explores themes like mental health and gender, blending strong curvy lines with gritty textures to create intimate personal narratives.
Zinedabaad: Long Live Zines
Zinedabaad, a collective founded by Devashree Somani and Riya Behl, is at the forefront of promoting zine culture in India. The name “Zinedabaad” cleverly plays on the Hindustani phrase “Zinda-baad,” meaning “Long Live.” This collective produces zines, conducts interactive workshops, and curates pop-up zine libraries, all aimed at fostering community and social impact. Their efforts include bartering zines and pricing them accessibly to ensure inclusivity, especially for marginalized communities.
The collective’s first workshop, held in March 2020 during the anti-CAA and NRC movements, exemplifies how zines can serve as tools for dissent and solidarity. With events like the upcoming “Watermelon Workshops” fundraiser supporting Palestinian relief efforts, Zinedabaad continues to create safe spaces for expression both online and offline.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its growing vibrancy, zine culture in India faces challenges such as being perceived as fringe activities and lacking robust distribution networks. Ano Patel, founder and CEO of Bazinega, discovered zines through a trending Instagram hashtag and now aims to raise awareness about zines, making them accessible and relatable reads perfect for short breaks.
However, the future looks promising. Online platforms are increasingly building communities and showcasing zine creations. As zines continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, they promise to remain a vital medium for storytelling and community building in India.
For more on this emerging cultural phenomenon, read the full article on Deccan Chronicle.
