How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
EXIT Bookstore is a Mexican company that began its work in 2013 in Mexico City. It was founded by Rosa Olivares, a writer, art critic, curator, and founder of the magazines LAPIZ, EXIT, EXIT EXPRESS, FLUOR, and EXIT BOOK.
It's the first bookstore specializing in contemporary art to open in Mexico. It's exclusively dedicated to art books in all their forms and themes, from artists' books to essays and theoretical works; from architecture, film, philosophy, and aesthetics to performance and sound art. Everything that's part of contemporary art is present at EXIT. I think its specialization is what makes it stand out. It has also become a meeting point for artists, gallery owners, curators, cultural managers, and the general public interested in art.
What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
We really enjoy talking to people and finding out what's happening in contemporary art. The talks and presentations we organize also help to build a community.
If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
Browse through photobooks, artist's books, architecture books, and other things you won't find in other general bookstores. And of course, pet River, the rescued dog who greets everyone who comes in.
What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
Sometimes it's the widespread disinterest in reading and art. Or competing with companies like Amazon or Buscalibre that have contributed to creating an isolated and sedentary society.
What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
We continue to be driven by the niche of people who are still interested in art and books.
What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?
We like that there are independent/specialized spaces and fairs like PIE DE IMPRENTA, HARDCORE or FM/AM of which we have been a part.
If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
We are constantly collaborating with artists, publishers, distributors, gallery owners, and museums.
Is there an object, corner or detail of the place that has a story that few people know?
She's not an object. She's River, the little dog who arrived at the dying bookstore and is now part of the team, full of energy and better than ever.
If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?
We would be “El Rey” of Jose Alfredo Jimenez because “with money and without money we do what we want”, especially without money.
Answers by César Oliveros
