The last two months have been pretty hectic at work; little time for anything else. Family is doing well, all things considered, especially under the current political uncertainty and generalized nervousness about what may happen in Venezuela.
I learned last week about this comic book award ceremony that would take place here in Caracas and decided to forget about work and politics to make room this weekend for some relaxing time.
A good friend of mine was nominated in one category and that was actually my main motivation to attend.
Vasco Vieira is a great artist who unfortunatelly lives far from this cultural hub and gets little time and resources to fully develop his potential. He could not even travel to be at the ceremony.
I was a bit disappointed that he did not win in his category, but I guess the most important part of this event was the meeting itself. A bunch of creative minds pushing a project that lacks resources and a real market and which still has managed to put national comic books on the artistic map.
I was actually impressed at the amount of titles and genres they have managed to publish under the Pana brand. I felt bad I was not able to buy any. It is a project worth supporting. The Panacomic website and Telegram channel actually allow anyone to read their comics for free (they accept donations, though). All in all, it was a great experience listening to these artists talk about their work and show what hard work, love for the Ninth Art, as they calle it, and dedication can yield.
I left the event early because it was getting dark and it had been raining. I decided to explore a little bit before heading home.
Before I left home, I had not realized that the comic book event was framed within the anual book fair.
The prices were not that bad, but for the current inflation and people's income, even a 1$ book can look expensive.
Despite my love for books, I had avoided book fairs for years because they lost their independence and being sponsored by the government, most of the titles and authors displayed have a clear ideological orientation.
I did my best to ignore the obvious and just enjoy the walk. I had never been in the National Art Gallery building before.
It is a beautiful building and at least it has been well kept.
The children's book sections were the best. In that genre, we can still see a more pluralistic display.
Prices were not low, though. I could not get a single one.
However, there were plenty of used-books stands.
There, people could find good prices and more variety of titles and genres.
They did great creating some spaces for all ages and interests. People could rest, eat, or have a coffee while flipping over books.
I left before it started raining again. I had mixed feeling about the book fair, but if I get paid this week, I'll go again and buy something for me and my girls.
The fair ends next Sunday.
