Anteism

August 3rd, 2010

Far from the big, factory-style publishers of New York and Toronto is Anteism, a small art book publisher tucked away in Victoria, BC. We love Anteism’s limited-edition art books and zines for their DIY aesthetic and focus on independent artists.

Publishing mostly small Canadian artists, Anteism was founded by photographer and printmaker Ryan Thompson and painter Harley Smart. Explaining their beginnings in 2003, Ryan says: “Anteism started out as an art anthology magazine type of thing. I was publishing a zine showcasing the artwork of people I knew while living in Taiwan. I met Harley through a friend, Luke Ramsey (Islands Fold). Luke and him were putting on this big group show with a lot of the artists that were in the book I had just put out. So the book kinda went with the show. Over the years we continued making books and putting on art shows. We wanted to share the artwork of the people in our shows with a bigger audience and our focus shifted to publishing.”

After we’re through ogling Anteism’s back catalogue, we’ve got plenty to look forward to in the future. “We have a bunch of hand made artist books that should be coming out,” Ryan says. “I’m really excited for the possibility of a book with Seripop.”

And if you happen to live in Montreal, you’re in luck: Anteim’s having a book launch/art show in September for Other: The Artwork of Troy Lovegates.