Welcoming Yogyakarta Art Book Fair 2025’s Second Edition: Marks & Margins
Yogyakarta Art Book Fair (YKABF) returns for its second edition, bringing newfound energy to celebrate independent publishing and printing. The event will run on the 2-4 May 2025 at Pendopo Ajiyasa, JNM Bloc.
More than just an exhibition of Art Books, YKABF 2025 expands the boundaries of (independent) publishing, positioning it as a space for both conceptual and material experimentation. Since its inaugural iteration, YKABF has become a vital platform for artists, designers, publishers, researchers and cultural workers to connect- fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration that is rooted in community. This growing network continues to enrich the ecosystem of alternative publishing in Yogyakarta and beyond, across Indonesia.
This year, YKABF’s theme is “Marks & Margins”, offering a reflection towards the experimental processes that shape the creation of art books- both in their design and content. “Marks” pays homage to the tactile and interactive nature of publishing: the scribblings, pressures, annotations, and revision that shape each work. Meanwhile, “Margins” are not merely blank spaces on a page, but a symbol of openness– inviting readers to contribute, respond and critique.
Through this theme, YKABF25 invites creators, thinkers and enthusiasts of the (independent) publishing world to reimagine the possibilities of print. It challenges conventional boundaries across industries and disciplines, encouraging a spirit of cross-cultural and interdisciplinary exchange. Here, books are not static objects, but as living mediums– always evolving, always open to new interpretations.
The program of YKABF25 has been thoughtfully curated to foster open participation, encourage dialogue and deepen connections across communities. Through a range of activities, the fair becomes a shared platform for learning, exchange and experimentation. This year’s programming include:
Presentation
A dedicated session for researchers to share their work– opening space for conversation, critique and curiosity. This format invites interaction not only among researchers, but also with a broader public audience.
Talk Show
A relaxed and intimate conversation space where artists and publishers share their stories. Through personal narratives, this session invites collective reflection on process, intention and the challenges of making.
Panel Discussion
Thematic discussions that will be moderated by a facilitator, featuring two to three guest speakers. These panels will address the lived realities, urgencies and nuances of working in independent publishing.
Book Launch
A celebration of new publications by participating exhibitors. Each launch includes a short presentation (10-15 minutes) offering insight into the creation of the book.
Workshop
Hands-on sessions led by practitioners of independent publishing and printing. These workshops are designed to build skills, share techniques and create space for direct knowledge exchange on tools, materials, and experimentation in publishing.
Exhibition
A curated exhibition responding to the theme “Marks & Margins”, where visual and textual elements come together to form unconventional narratives. The exhibition, currently in collaborative development, aims to explore the intersections of form, content and context.
Reading Room
A temporary reading room offering quiet refuge– a curated selection of publication awaits visitors to browse, read and reflect. It is a space for slow thinking and gentle discovery, where the act of reading becomes both personal and shared.
YKABF is initiated by art and cultural workers who have long contributed to the growth of the art books ecosystem in Yogyakarta. United by a shared vision, they are committed to nurturing a space for independent publishers to engage, reflect and grow together. Petrikor Books, Kunci Copy Station, SOKONG!, and Pickpockie Books form the core of this initiative– cultivating a network where ideas can flourish, voices can be heard and boundaries can continually be reimagined.
Tickets for YKABF can be bought at this link.
