GHava{Press}

GHAVA Press: An Independent Publishing Platform for Emerging and Established Artists Founded in 2006, GHAVA Press emerged as an independent publishing platform dedicated to showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists. This Brooklyn-based imprint has made a name for itself by producing high-quality, limited edition art books and publications that celebrate creativity across various mediums.

Origins and History

GHAVA Press was established as an offshoot of Graphic Havoc, a visual agency co-founded by Sadek Bazaraa in the 1990s. Graphic Havoc, often shortened to GHAVA, was known for providing art direction, graphic design, brand identity development, and moving image direction for a diverse range of industries including consumer electronics, telecommunications, healthcare, publishing, music, education, finance, retail, and fashion. After gaining extensive experience in creating printed materials for commercial clients, the agency decided to apply its expertise and passion for print media to publishing unique, limited edition books featuring select artists. This decision led to the birth of GHAVA Press, which operated as the agency's independent publishing arm.

Notable Publications

Over the years, GHAVA Press has released several noteworthy publications that have garnered attention in the art world. Some of their most significant releases include:

"Second Place" by Jody Fausett (2007) - This book showcased the dark, mysterious, and deeply personal work of Atlanta-based photographer Jody Fausett.
"Castles and Christians" by J. Penry (2006) - A collection of bold line drawings by artist J. Penry, known for his artwork for prominent NYC bands.
"Analogue" by Cameron Martin (2009) - This book blurred the lines between artist book and monograph, providing a visual account of Cameron Martin's methodology and production.

These publications demonstrate GHAVA Press's commitment to producing high-quality art books that offer unique insights into the creative processes and visions of contemporary artists.

Publishing Approach and Philosophy

GHAVA Press has distinguished itself through its approach to art book publishing. The imprint focuses on creating limited edition runs of their books, often numbering between 1,000 to 3,000 copies. This strategy not only ensures the exclusivity of their publications but also allows for a high level of attention to detail in the production process. The press is known for its emphasis on visual quality, often employing sophisticated printing techniques and high-grade materials to produce books that are artworks in themselves. This dedication to craftsmanship has helped GHAVA Press build a reputation for excellence among art book collectors and enthusiasts.

Cultural and Social Significance

GHAVA Press has played a significant role in the independent publishing scene, particularly in the realm of art books. By providing a platform for both emerging and established artists, the press has contributed to the diversification of voices and perspectives in the art world. The imprint's focus on limited edition runs and high-quality production values has also helped to preserve the value of physical books in an increasingly digital age. In doing so, GHAVA Press has contributed to ongoing discussions about the future of print media and the importance of tangible art objects.

Audience and Reception

GHAVA Press publications have found an audience among art collectors, designers, and those interested in contemporary visual culture. The limited nature of their releases has made their books sought-after items in certain circles, with some publications becoming collector's items. Reviews of GHAVA Press books have generally been positive, with critics praising the quality of the printing and the thoughtful curation of artists and projects. For example, the book "Analogue" by Cameron Martin was noted for its non-hierarchical layout and its ability to provide a complex view of the artist's thinking about representation of contemporary landscapes.

Challenges and Evolution

Like many independent publishers, GHAVA Press has likely faced challenges related to distribution, marketing, and financial sustainability. The niche nature of art book publishing, combined with the high production costs associated with limited edition runs, can make it difficult to achieve profitability. However, the press appears to have navigated these challenges by maintaining a focused publishing program and leveraging the reputation and connections of its parent agency, Graphic Havoc. The evolution of GHAVA Press from a commercial design agency offshoot to a respected art book publisher demonstrates the imprint's ability to adapt and find its place in the competitive world of independent publishing.

Digital Presence and Adaptation

While GHAVA Press has primarily focused on physical books, the imprint has also had to adapt to the digital age. The press maintains an online presence, which allows them to reach a broader audience and promote their publications to potential buyers around the world. However, the emphasis on high-quality physical books remains central to GHAVA Press's identity. This commitment to tangible, crafted objects sets the imprint apart in an era where many publishers are shifting towards digital-only or print-on-demand models.

Collaborations and Partnerships

GHAVA Press has collaborated with a variety of artists, writers, and cultural institutions over the years. These partnerships have allowed the imprint to expand its reach and produce books that offer diverse perspectives on contemporary art and culture. For instance, the book "Analogue" by Cameron Martin included texts by art critics Martha Schwendener and Alexander Dumbadze, demonstrating GHAVA Press's commitment to providing context and critical insight alongside visual art.

Impact on Artists' Careers

For many artists, having a book published by GHAVA Press has been a significant milestone in their careers. The high production values and limited edition nature of these publications can lend prestige and increase visibility for emerging artists. Jody Fausett, for example, saw his work featured in GHAVA Press's "Second Place" in 2007. This publication helped to establish Fausett's reputation as a photographer, and his work has since been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications.

Future Directions

As the publishing industry continues to evolve, GHAVA Press faces both challenges and opportunities. The ongoing interest in artisanal and limited edition books suggests that there will continue to be a market for the type of high-quality art publications that GHAVA Press produces. However, the press may need to continue adapting its strategies to reach new audiences and remain financially viable. This could involve exploring new formats, collaborating with a wider range of artists and institutions, or finding innovative ways to market and distribute their books.

GHAVA Press has established itself as a significant player in the world of independent art book publishing. Through its commitment to high-quality production, thoughtful curation, and support for both emerging and established artists, the imprint has made valuable contributions to contemporary visual culture. As GHAVA Press continues to evolve, it will likely face ongoing challenges related to the changing landscape of publishing and the art world. However, the press's dedication to craftsmanship and its ability to create desirable, limited edition books suggest that it will continue to find an audience among art enthusiasts and collectors. The story of GHAVA Press is not just about a publishing imprint, but about the enduring value of physical books in the digital age, the importance of independent voices in the art world, and the power of high-quality design and production in creating objects that are themselves works of art.

GHAVA {Press}

GHAVA Press Releases 2002-2009

GHAVA{Press} Releases

2006

Second Place

Castles and Christians

2007

Castles and Christians special event Jan. 25, 2007

2008

MISSPENT YOUTH OR:WHY I SPENT MY SUMMERS INDOORS

Darkening

2009

analogue

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