While working for “zoo” magazine, Benjamin came across a zine by American artist Chris Johanson and became interested in making his own. Zines originally started in the amateur press movement in the 1930s and re-emerged in the punk movement of the late 1970s. Since then, it has been regarded as the fastest and cheapest way to publish one’s work. Benjamin also points out that he can feature as many artists as he wants without worrying about cost and print quality. The hand-made quality and reasonable pricing of a zine also make it easier for people to exchange their creativity.

zine by Chris Johanson “I am glad for you that you exist” (Nieves Books)

At the beginning, Benjamin had no concept for his zines; that were purely about graphics. As he got older and Nieves Books more established, Benjamin became interested in artistic content and wanted to move on to thicker printed matter. He used to publish three zines per month, and that gave him enough time to work on his other books. Now he is making fewer zines and publishing catalogue-like art books such as “Humans” by Mike Mills. At this rate, it’s not a distant dream to publish an encyclopedia.

“I’m Starting to Feel Okay” by Stefan Marx (Nieves Books)

Recently Zurich boutique GRAND reopened and held an exhibition by Stefan Marx, an artist from Hamburg’s skateboarding scene and latest to be featured in Benjamin’s book series. At the back of the store crowded with young Swiss hipsters, Benjamin was standing in front of the artwork, selling Stefan’s book “I’m Starting to Feel Okay”. After the wave of customers were gone, he leaned back on the nearest wall and watched the crowd with his hands crossed in the back, like a shy boy at a high-school dance party. When I asked if he knew anybody here, he replied he does not really know anybody besides the artist. Rather than getting to know everybody, he seemed more interested in observing how people reacted to the artwork he selected.

Nieves Books

I saw a similar scene at the book release party of “Piss down my back and tell me it’s raining” by Linus Bill in Benjamin’s office. It was rather a different crowd this time, more with Linus’ acquaintances and people like me who like the publications by Nieves Books. Again, Benjamin was standing behind the counter, focused on selling the books and making the occasional explanatory comments. He does not talk much, which seems to put more emphasis on his artists and books. He is definitely not a social butterfly but rather a craftsman who steps back and prides in his works. Despite his modest personality, he is communicating so much creativity to the world.