In June, MRKT had the joy of taking part in the Sold Out Publishing Book Fair–a two-day celebration of independent publishing, print culture, and boundary-pushing design. Held in the sunlit space of Firepit Gallery, the fair brought together an inspiring mix of publishers, artists, and designers working at the edges of contemporary art and creative production.
We were proud to be part of a fantastic lineup of small presses, artist-run collectives, and independent makers–all contributing to a vibrant space of exchange, discovery, and conversation.
Prints, Colour, and Connection
At our booth, we showcased a curated selection of some of our bestselling prints–some new, some familiar favourites–each chosen for their colour, energy, and spirit to match the ambiance of the fair. We set up shop with a full wall of visual joy, and it didn’t take long for conversations to spark.
Visitors stopped by and our table quickly became a hub of conversation. From long-time followers to first-time visitors, we were blown away by the enthusiasm and support from our community. We had the chance to talk shop with fellow artists, hear feedback from print lovers, and introduce MRKT to those encountering our work for the first time.
One of the most rewarding moments? Hearing how MRKT pieces have made their way into your homes, workspaces, or gift-giving rituals. It was particularly moving to see how many people resonated with our mission to highlight the work of global majority artists in our collection.
A Shared Ethos
MRKT’s presence at the fair closely aligned with the spirit and ethos behind Sold Out. Like the fair itself, our work is a response to the deep-rooted exclusions that shape the art and design industries–both historically gatekept spaces that are limited by dominant narratives. Through our selection of art, we aim to help platform artists and creatives who are forging new cultural and aesthetic terrains–those who aren’t waiting for permission, but building new language on their own terms.
Sold Out champions that same mission. By foregrounding decolonial and diasporic references in visual culture, the fair embodied a deep commitment to solidarity, intersectionality, and the power of collaboration. It served as both a recognition of the vital work already being done by artists, writers, and collectives–and an open invitation to continue building on that work together. More than an event, it was a gesture toward lasting structural change.
Until Next Time
To everyone who came by our table–thank you. Whether you picked up a print, asked a question, or simply paused to engage, your presence meant a lot. If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry–this won’t be the last time.
Stay tuned via Instagram and our newsletter for updates on upcoming events, new artwork, and ongoing projects. There's much more to come and we’d love to have you along for the ride!
Written and edited by Ailin Khassen, MRKT.