Designer Gabriella Marcella remembers the moment she first used a risograph printer as an instant creative "click."
Today, she is bringing together artists from around the world through a project that celebrates this unique technology and the power of printed art.
What is risography?
Created in Japan in the 80s by the Riso Kagaku company, founded by Noboru Hayama, the risograph is a printer that resembles a photocopier, but produces images with a quality similar to screen printing.
Its main features are:
speed and low cost
use of soy-based inks
strong colors and a unique "craft" style
Over time, it has become a symbol of:
zines and DIY culture
activism
independent artists
From a personal passion to a global community
Gabriella Marcella purchased her first risograph printer online for a modest price and quickly turned it into a central part of her artistic style.
After studying at Pratt Institute in New York, she founded her own studio in Glasgow and worked with brands such as Apple and Swatch.
In 2017, she created Riso Club, a non-profit initiative to promote artists from all over the world – not just from major centers like London or New York.
Art that travels by mail
Club members receive monthly artistic postcards from different cities such as:
Lille
Lima
Kyiv
Damascus
The shape of the postcard was chosen intentionally: unlike digital images that quickly spread on social media, a physical object has weight, texture, and creates a more intimate connection.
Through them, the public gets to know different cultures not through tourist clichés, but through the eyes of local artists.
Art as a reflection of reality
Some of the most unique publications have come from cities affected by conflict or diaspora.
For example:
The Kyiv publication included works that reflected life during the war, combining harsh reality with a sense of community.
He from Damascus brought personal reflections and nostalgia for his homeland.
These projects show that art can be a powerful way to tell complex and emotional stories.
A legacy rooted in activism
Risography also originated as a political tool – it was used to disseminate ideas and information quickly and freely. This legacy continues today, making it a preferred medium for artists seeking to communicate strong messages.
A celebration of creativity
To celebrate 100 editions of Riso Club, Gabriella Marcella has organized an exhibition in Glasgow, featuring hundreds of postcards by various artists.
Its purpose is clear: to show that design can be:
accessible
co-operative
and a direct way to connect people
In an era dominated by digital technology, risography brings attention back to physical art and proves that a simple print can create strong connections between people around the world. /GazetaExpress/
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