It’s swift, economical, and its hues are as vibrant as those achieved through screen printing. Gabriella Marcella, a designer and dedicated enthusiast of the risograph, shares insights into establishing Riso Club, an initiative that brings together users of this device from diverse cities such as New York, London, Damascus, Kyiv, Lille, and Lima, among many others.
Gabriella Marcella vividly recalls a moment of profound realization when she first operated a risograph printer. “The method, its immediate nature – it truly resonated with me,” states the Scottish-Italian designer. “A significant portion of my artistic vision is rooted in this machine.” A multitude of artists and creatives echo this sentiment, and Marcella has now curated an international art exhibition, currently showcasing their works at Glasgow’s Glue Factory Galleries.
Invented in Japan during the 1980s, the risograph is an ingenious printer that, while resembling a photocopier, produces output akin to screen-printed art. Riso Kagaku, the company behind its creation, was founded by Noboru Hayama, a businessman whose ambition was to develop intuitive and affordable printing solutions. Utilizing soy-based inks to produce small print runs, the risograph print – often simply called “riso” – is characterized by its handmade feel and unique aesthetic. It has consequently become synonymous with independent zines, grassroots activism, and the work of innovative creatives worldwide.