From the outside looking in, The LA Art Book Fair 2017 was an overwhelming experience with hundreds of participants, huge crowds, and thousands of zines to choose from. When we settled into the colorful chaos and got used to being shoulder-to-shoulder with just about everyone, it became less difficult to recognize the magic in the mayhem—thousands of people were front and center supporting talented artists in the not-so-dead print world.

Next to a line of food trucks, a DJ played genre-bending sound, and across from that was the first art installation of the festival—a red tent titled Fotomat. Presented by our friends at Slow Culture and Deadbeat Club, the hub was clearly inspired by old school drive-thru photo kiosks with 24-hour delivery. Ed Templeton was just one famous name that was guest clerk, selling an exclusive print.

Once we actually stepped foot under The Geffen’s high ceilings, to the left was another installation from the iconic Teen Angels Magazine. The makeshift walls were decorated floor-to-ceiling with animations celebrating young Chicanos. Images were pulled from the mag’s 200+ issues, depicting everything from gang life to lovesick ladies in vibrant colors with thick black bordering, plus exclusive posters to buy behind a classic model motorcycle. And if you were looking for a more permanent homage to the Teen Angel, a tattooing station was set up in the corner.

From there, it was booth-on-booths, scattered with high-end vintage prints, DIY zines, limited-run books, and an assortment of knick knacks. At Printed Matter’s official table, Nicholas Jaar’s debut imprint, Network, was piled high in all of it’s 336-page black-and-white glory.  The well-known musician presented the work as part of his multi-platform initiative, Other People Radio Network, as a loose documentation of streaming radio stations with visual art and “loose transcriptions.”

Tucked away in a room at the very back corner was another treasure to discover in the sea of dealers, all the way from Japan. Misaki Kawai stuck out because it had all the textures and color necessary to command attention. Fuchsia furry stuffed creatures sat in front of drawing kits, both perfect for gifting to adults and kids alike. They also sold customized patched sweatshirts with the buyer’s name in Japanese. It was all really interactive and playful, which is always refreshing in a display of sometimes-intimidating technique.

Another standout came from illustrator Paul Windle, who sold baseball caps embroidered simply with the word “books.” Paul’s neighbors included Wacky Wacko, a dreamy Sade zine, and a variety of anti-Trump garb. Our favorite of the politically-charged treats came from the always light-hearted Homocats, who sold bright pink shirts with four cats that declared “Kittens Against Trump.”

All in all, it was a good weekend. Although, if you plan to attend LAABF’s east coast counterpart in September, we suggest you wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks (or take Rihanna’s lead) for when you’re waiting in the foot traffic.