©Alexander Moers, Feira Tijuana, 2017
©Alexander Moers, Feira Tijuana, 2017

A visit at Feira Tijuana in Bom Retiro

Print is not dead at all! An example for that is Feira Tijuana, a small fair for graphic design and independent publishing in Bom Retiro. The event regularly brings together creatives from different South American cities and offers an exciting variety of work from more than 90 publishers.

Feira Tijuana is an initiative started by Galeria Vermelho and was the first design fair of its kind, when it started in 2009. The event is growing constantly and already occupies three floors at Casa do Povo*. The “House of the People” (see below) is the main venue for Feira Tijuana since 2013 and a relic of Brazilian architecture from the post-war period.

Hobby designers and professionals offer everything from notebooks to self published newspapers and the creative freedom at Feira Tijuana doesn’t know any boundaries or unwritten rules. The scene is young, dynamic and people experiment freely with typography, materials and formats. But, Feira Tijuana is not only a trade fair for pretty things, the fair also got a message. A lot of works address political topics and criticize the current government. Feira Tijuana demonstrates the importance of graphic design as a form of resistance and how it serves as a platform for people to express their feelings.

©Alexander Moers, Feira Tijuana, 2017
©Alexander Moers, Feira Tijuana, 2017

The fair is a must for all design fans and everybody who wants to know where the young creative scene of São Paulo hangs out. Feira Tijuana already expanded to Rio, Buenos Aires and Lima and gives an interesting insight into the local scene. There is also beer and good food and the vibe is awesome!

©Alexander Moers, Casa do Povo, 2017
©Alexander Moers, Casa do Povo, 2017

*Casa do Povo

Casa do Povo (House of the people) is located in Bom Retiro, an old commercial district that was home to a lot of Jewish immigrants after World War 2. Casa do Povo was planned as a community center and was also used as a school, a theater and a memorial for the victims of the holocaust. After years of vacancy, a group of ex-students decided to revive the old building and started to use building for cultural events, courses and exhibitions.

Galeria Vermelho

☞ exilmag.com/Alexander Moers