“Papertrail” Exhibition
PAPERTRAIL
Writeup by Lindsey Cummins
“Papertrail” is an independently curated traveling exhibition of zines and art books.
Video and editing by Grace McBroom
The exhibition, co-curated by Lindsey Cummins and Lucas Keown, forefronts zines through a hanging installation, highlighting the medium’s function as a mediator of community and connection. Zines’ low production and distribution cost make them effective formats for experimentation, play, and the accessible dissemination of opinions, ideas, and information - particularly within subcultures. Their status as ephemeral is not challenged by the exhibition, rather, the goal is to momentarily freeze-frame, allowing viewers to catch a glimpse of what is swirling around in the global collective.
The Printed Zine Atrium
The Printed Zine Atrium sourced over 250 zines from the Printed Collective Zine Library, an open call, and drop boxes that were placed throughout Louisville, KY. Zines were hung from the ceiling in an X shape to complement the architecture of the building. Viewers could move in and around the X shape and zines were hanging staggered around head height for people to open and read.
Some zines were gathered from drop-boxes we placed throughout the city at (left to right) Artist & Craftsman Supply, the Portland Museum, Home Skate Shop, and UofL’s Hite Art Institute.
Exhibited Artists
Performing Artists
The exhibit’s closing reception saw performances from a wealth of Louisville musicians. First DJs Daddie Frankie and Forajinn spun sets during exploratory hours, then bands ROD, Plastics, and Way Too Late took the makeshift stage for a full DIY concert.
Traveling Show
Poorcastle 2023 at Breslin Park (Louisville, Kentucky)
Peacock & The Worm’s Print Room (Aberdeen, Scotland)
Photos by Ellie Bruner, Koda Chitrakar, and E Sayers