Photojournal : Anarchist Bookfair

The crowd at the Salon du livre Anarchist de Montreal was back in black on a Sunday afternoon. Sprawled out along the pathway from CEDA to the Centre Culturel Georges Vanier (basically, the local library), the anarchists enjoyed the sun and good vibe in Parc Vinet. Inside the two centres, workshops, speakers, art and activism took place.

A major highlight is the book fair itself. This marketplace allows individuals and groups to set up tables to spread ideas and vend their goods. Although printed books and screen prints tend to be the more expensive items sold, there are plenty of free, pwyc, or inexpensive items available in the room. It’s hard not to walk away with zines, patches, films, buttons, stickers, and other message-bearing items for every social justice topic under the sun. In particular, themes of indigenous rights in Canada, gender rights, and the environment were well represented topics.

The great thing about the book fair is a chance to meet people. I spoke to Mary Lou Freel, an anarchist artist, as well as Sarah Mangle. I was especially struck by Jeannette Tossounian, who was sentenced to two years in prison. She documented the brutality and dehumanization she encountered for daring to do such radical acts as refusing to wear a bra. She was selling her book of her experience, The Human Kennel, and had turned things like her prison-issued toothpaste into a work of art.

Another interesting component of the Anarchist Bookfair is the Art and Anarchy exhibit, where over 50 artists showcase pieces of different types.

With a hyper-sensitivity to people on the margins, the book fair provides all-gender toilets, quiet rooms, spaces for kids, and very modestly priced food.

The Anarchist Book Fair took place May 27-29.