Ribboned for Your Pleasure
Literary Publication Ribbon Pig Debuts First Issue
The question of whether or not physical publications will continue to exist with the rise of the Internet is one that has been asked a million times over.
Oddly enough, it’s almost exclusively asked to people who are involved in the making of said publications—making the answer itself pretty evident.
Ribbon Pig is a new literary publication that, yes, will exist outside of a webpage.
Volume One will consist of a collection of 10 stories, poems and personal essays that focus on contemporary issues, settings and ideas—but editor Guillaume Morissette said that doesn’t mean
every story has to mention Facebook or T-Pain.
“I personally dislike stuff that feels like it could have been written in 1954,” he said. “We live in radically different conditions and therefore the writing that comes out of those conditions should reflect that in some way.”
A self described “literary mix tape,” Morissette said Ribbon Pig wanted to try something original with the visual presentation, “something different than a zine that you flip through and you’re done. Not only will you be able to hold it in your hands, but Ribbon Pig will be a piece of art as well as literature.
Sold as individual booklets packaged inside a limited edition box set, a story that involves borscht and erotic role-play (I won’t say any more) even goes as far as having stains on the cover.
Ribbon Pig is a project of Maison Kasini, a publisher, shop and all around creative enterprise focused on contemporary art.
Although the roles are vaguely defined at publication, Morissette insists that’s the way he likes it. “It forces us to communicate a lot,” he said. “I don’t like hierarchies, so I tend to look for relationships of mutual respect.”
Having already manned a booth at this weekend’s Expozine, Ribbon Pig is getting ready for their debut party this Friday. The event will host readings from many contributors from the first issue as well as sets from Institutional Prostitution and Tops.
The night will finish off with a DJ set from Cadence Weapon, then followed by an after party at Torn Curtain, swiftly discrediting everyone who has ever said literature was boring.
For readers that want to get a copy but can’t attend Friday night’s festivities, ordering online is the best option, but keep a look out for Ribbon Pig at local shows and expos as well.
Although they’re not currently accepting submissions, they will be shortly, so interested writers should keep an eye on their website, ribbonpig.ca, for updates.
The “Debut Spectacular” will be on Friday at Hotel 2 Tango (173 Ave. Van Horne) starting at 9 p.m.
