Koy Suntichotinun is a well-loved Thai-American sign painter and artist who has recently created some free signs for the Burn All Books (BAB) Newsstand Installation. Burn All Books is a risograph publisher, distro and studio in San Diego, California, that focuses on community and local collaborations. They publish art zines, artist books, alternative comics and art prints that are currently also sold at BAB Newsstand. The installation, designed and built by local artist David Mondragon, is located at the San Diego Bread & Salt multi-arts space, where Suntichotinun’s studio is also.
The newsstand helps BAB extend its work of providing the community with affordable, pay-as-you-can art publications. Though the initiative never asked for Suntichotinun’s help, he shared that he wanted to create signs for them. He recognizes that BAB and its newsstand are vital components that help keep the San Diego art community’s spirit alive. This spirit shows that despite San Diego being a big city with high prices, there has been a real sense of community and togetherness amongst artists and art enthusiasts that help keep each other afloat.
This is because the BAB Newsstand has been a way for artists to get their work out there while giving art enthusiasts access to affordable art publications. This ensures that the local industry and community stay alive and thriving despite the economic, social and political challenges of living in a big city. Hence, the signs that Koy Suntichotinun made for the Burn All Books Newsstand are relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Quality Education and Decent Work And Economic Growth
Koy Suntichotinun's contribution to the Burn All Books Newsstand reflects a deep commitment to supporting accessible art in the San Diego community. By creating signs for the BAB Newsstand, Suntichotinun helps amplify the visibility of affordable art publications and strengthens the sense of community among local artists and enthusiasts. This collaboration underscores the importance of grassroots efforts in sustaining the arts, ensuring that creativity and culture remain accessible to all, even in the face of economic challenges. Through his work, Suntichotinun reinforces the idea that art can thrive when nurtured by collective support and shared values.
Find out more about Koy Suntichotinun on his website www.wannabeprojects.com or Instagram @koysun, and Burn All Books on their website www.babandfriends.com or Instagram @burn_all_books.