The Rise of Risograph: Gabriella Marcella's Riso Club and Its Cultural Impact

The risograph, a unique printing device developed in Japan in the 1980s by Riso Kagaku, has become a pivotal tool for artists and creatives worldwide. This machine, resembling a photocopier but functioning like a screen printer, utilizes soy inks to produce vibrant prints with a handmade aesthetic. Its affordability and intuitive design have made it popular among independent artists, zine creators, and activists. Gabriella Marcella, a Scottish-Italian designer, has been instrumental in promoting this medium through her non-profit initiative, Riso Club.

The Guardian

Marcella founded Riso Club in 2017 to support and showcase artists dedicated to risograph printing. The club operates on a membership model, providing members with a monthly issue of postcards featuring works from various international artists. This initiative aims to highlight creative communities outside major urban centers like London and New York, fostering a global network of risograph enthusiasts. Marcella emphasizes the importance of physical art, stating, “A postcard through the door has a weight, texture and intimacy that digital communication doesn’t.”

The Guardian

Riso Club not only promotes risograph printing but also serves as a platform for cultural exchange. Each issue of the club features artists from different cities, allowing members to explore diverse cultures through their work. For instance, the Kyiv issue, curated by designer Mari Kinovych, aimed to portray the city’s vibrancy amidst the ongoing war, while the Damascus issue, curated by Kinda Ghannoum, sought to present a more nuanced representation of Syria, focusing on nostalgia and personal reflections.

The Guardian

To commemorate the release of its 100th issue, Marcella curated a special edition featuring her design heroes, including Nathalie Du Pasquier and Peter Shire. This milestone not only showcases the evolution of Riso Club but also aims to bring the joy of risograph art to a broader audience. Marcella hopes that through these efforts, people will recognize that “design can be generous, accessible and social,” reinforcing the idea that print can still foster direct connections among individuals.

The Guardian

While Riso Club has received praise for its innovative approach to art and community building, some critics argue that the focus on risograph printing may overshadow other important artistic mediums. However, Marcella maintains that the risograph's unique qualities and historical significance as a political printer are essential to its appeal and relevance in contemporary art.

The Guardian

Gabriella Marcella's Riso Club exemplifies the power of risograph printing as a medium for artistic expression and cultural dialogue. By connecting artists and audiences through tangible art forms, the initiative not only celebrates the aesthetic qualities of risographs but also highlights the importance of community and shared experiences in an increasingly digital world.

The Guardian