This month sees the launch of Tapestries of Life – A Retrospective, a 36-page zine from the faceless collage artist Melville, produced in collaboration with Sheffield’s Koji Press. The release marks the debut of Koji’s new publishing imprint, koji:edition, and will be celebrated with what’s sure to be a lively launch night at the Dog and Partridge on 9 October.
Melville’s work has long been rooted in Sheffield’s social undercurrents – the overlooked corners of city life, the grit alongside the polish. His no-holds-barred approach has found appreciative audiences online and at exhibitions – including one earlier this year, The Symptoms of Social Observation, which took place at Fagans and involved bassline-heavy DJ sets and vast amounts of Guinness.
For him, this retrospective is a chance to pool his work and map out the journey so far. “It’s me essentially choosing the best bits, all the pieces that work well together,” he says. “There’s some really early stuff that never actually went in an exhibition, just put out on social media with an accompanying video. It’s about pulling together the work in a space where you can socialise in an easygoing environment. I want it to be a place where people can come and enjoy themselves, not feel out of place at – or bored.”
Alongside the trademark collages, the zine brings in other newer strands of his practice, including text-based pieces and video scripts made in collaboration with his long-term videographer Bloodshot Inc. “I always felt like I couldn’t express myself in writing, like it wasn’t for me, but I think I’m growing more confident in that,” Melville says. “It’s nice to find that you can actually express yourself in words. Another good thing about this collaboration with Koji is there’s no filter on what I can say in print, even with the more sensitive subjects.”
For Koji Press founder Charley McKee, starting koji:edition has always been about creating space for artists to document their work in ways that feel authentic. “When I first set up Koji, I wanted it to be an opportunity for artists to be able to come in and use the machine to expand on what they want to say,” he explains. “I’ve always wanted to be part of independent press and publishing, and this is a really good opportunity to get different voices out there. That’s why I felt like Melville was a good fit – he speaks about class in a way that’s truthful and honest. It’s very important not to censor those voices.”
Risograph printing – a sustainable process that uses soy-based inks on rice paper – produces a grainy, textured aesthetic that suits Melville’s raw style. Charley says: “The great thing about risograph is it gives a tactile feel. There’s a sort of earthiness to it – and we wanted use that to bring out certain elements of Melville’s work.”
He speaks about class in a way that’s truthful and honest. It’s very important not to censor those voices.
For Melville, seeing his work in print brings a new kind of satisfaction. “I’ve had things in publications before, but a zine feels different. It’s nice to actually see it in real life, not just stuck online. It’s freeing in a way – like it gives me a clean slate, a new platform to jump from.”
The zine is limited to 100 copies, printed and bound in-house at Koji’s studio on Trafalgar Street. On launch night, spreads will be displayed on walls around the pub, with some framed prints also available. After which, copies of Melville (Tapestries of life – A Retrospective) will go on sale at kojipress.com from 10 October.
Looking ahead, Charley says this project is just the start. “This is the first in a line of publications we’re going to be doing – all with local and national artists. It’s very much the beginning of Koji Press as a collaborative printing press.”
For Melville, it’s both a milestone and a springboard. “It’s me looking back at what I’ve done so far, but also clearing space to move on. I want to push the character further – into more video work, maybe film – and keep building on the mystery.”
Join the launch of Melville (Tapestries of life – A Retrospective) at the Dog & Partridge on 9 Oct, 7.30pm. Zines will be available to buy on the night and later from kojipress.com.
