Corinthians Press 002: Zombie Somnambulence

8 August 2022 ● 4 mins read ● 15 images

Corinthians Press 002 is the latest publication from Wordshape. It is a 324-page book featuring the work of Patrick Tsai, Shirana Shahbazi, Chris Ro, Naohiro Utagawa, Ian Lynam, Mr. Keedy, Yuko Amano, Ed Fella, Yuki Kameguchi, Scott Massey, Yunim Kim, and Chris Duncan. (Wraparound cover image by Patrick Tsai.)

What do zombies dream of as they ambulate? Or rather, what would zombies do if what looks like sleepwalking is their active state and they might have the chance to sleepwalk?

The book is a collection of new visual work and essays edited and curated by Renna Okubo and Ian Lynam (dba Corinthians), and the entire book was designed by Ian Lynam.

Offset printed on a mix of luxuriously coated stocks, Corinthians Press 002 is a compilation of contemporary visual art, photography, and graphic design mixed with essays of critical art/design theory.

The entire book is bilingual and all texts are in English and Japanese. It features a new series of printmaking works by Seoul-based graphic designer and artist Chris Ro and a stunning new collection of work by Switzerland-based artist Shirana Shahbazi.

Japanese photographer Naohiro Utagawa presents a new collection of staged photographic works and Yuko Amano provides two art photography projects within. It also features a new essay called “The Schlock of the New” by Ian Lynam which examines contemporary notions of “the avant garde”. This essay is translated into Japanese for the first time.

Corinthians Press also includes the essay “Zombie Modernism” by Mr. Keedy. Keedy’s seminal essay is translated into Japanese for the very first time within the book—"Zombie Modernism” is one of the core texts of contemporary graphic design criticism.

Ed Fella has contributed a section of his sketchbook lettering and collage work, including both new and historical compositions.

Yuki Kameguchi’s section features a variety of assorted drawings, both recent and historical in nature.

Scott Massey’s section of the book is a wide-ranging approach to visual notation.

Yunim Kim has contributed an amazing new body of printmaking works.

Chris Duncan’s extraordinary massive photographic works are included.

The book ends with a coda by Patrick Tsai featuring new photographic works.

We’re not sure what zombies might do if they could sleep and walk at the same time, but they might muse on the things posited here, as much as we’ve posited on them.

Corinthians Press 002 is offset-printed in 4 colors and perfect-bound using UV binding. The book was printed in Niigata at Kousoku Insatsu by an amazing team. Translation by the amazing Shu Kuge. You can obtain a copy here.

There are no comments on this creation yet.

You can log in to post a comment.

About Ian

Ian Lynam

I'm a creative director in Tokyo, Japan

I'm a graphic designer, design educator, design critic and design writer who has been based in Tokyo for 19 years.

See full profile

Welcome to Canvas Tokyo

Canvas is an online network for Tokyo's creative community. It's a place for professional and amateur creatives to show their skills, make new connections and find work.

Sign up to Canvas