As artificial intelligence continues to permeate various sectors, the underground zine culture finds itself at a crossroads. Creators such as Rachel Goldfinger are leading a movement against the encroachment of AI in self-publishing, asserting that the essence of zines — often characterised by their handmade, scrappy nature — is fundamentally at odds with the sterile efficiency of AI technology.
The Historical Significance of Zines
Zines have long served as a platform for alternative voices, championing movements from queer activism to feminist expression. These self-published booklets, often made with rudimentary materials and minimal print runs, have been pivotal in shaping cultural dialogues. Classic titles like *Sniffin’ Glue* and *Sweet-Thang* exemplify the raw creativity and personal touch that zines offer. However, as technology advances, the traditional art form faces new challenges, notably from artificial intelligence.
The AI Experimentation
Despite the pushback, some creators are experimenting with AI, albeit cautiously. Jeremy Leslie, the founder of MagCulture, notes that zines employing AI often do so as a means of critique, highlighting the limitations of machine-generated creativity. This experimentation has sparked concern among traditionalists who view zines as a uniquely human art form.
For instance, product designer Jesse Pimenta and writer Cheyce Batchelor recently produced a 97-page zine inspired by the 1990s using Figma’s AI tools. They praised the technology for making the layout process more efficient, allowing them to focus on the creative aspects. Similarly, Steve Simkins, an IT engineer, utilised AI to code and publish an online photo zine, viewing the technology as a democratising force that could help artists lacking technical skills.
Resistance from the Underground
Opposition to AI in zine creation is vigorous. Creators like Maddie Marshall and Rachel Goldfinger have published anti-AI zines to voice their concerns. Marshall, who spent a year crafting her 92-page zine, felt compelled to address the pressures to incorporate AI into her work. “I felt the urge to spread the word about my opinions on it and get people to question why these technologies are being pushed on us so heavily,” she remarked.
Goldfinger echoes this sentiment, asserting that AI compromises the integrity of artistic labour. “AI is eliminating a lot of people’s ability to think critically for themselves,” she argues, adding that the handmade nature of zines is essential to their identity. “I don’t want to expedite the process. That ruins the point for me,” she insists.
The Future of Zines and AI
The question remains: Can AI and zine-making coexist? Ione Gamble, founder of the feminist zine *Polyester*, believes that while AI may exist in the same sphere, it is unlikely to blend harmoniously with the grassroots ethos of zine culture. “All you need is a bit of paper, a pen, and some things to collage with,” she explains, emphasising the low barrier to entry that zines represent.
As the discourse evolves, many creators, including Simkins, advocate for a balanced conversation around AI’s role in art. “Most importantly, I think you can get really exhausted getting caught up in trying to police what everyone else does when it comes to art,” he cautions.
MagCulture’s Leslie maintains an open-minded approach to the future of zines, stating that the focus should be on the creativity and innovation behind the work, regardless of how it was produced. “We want to see interesting, innovative, and engaging zines,” he affirms.
Why it Matters
The discussion surrounding AI’s influence on zines is emblematic of a larger cultural struggle between traditional artistry and technological advancement. As zine creators grapple with the implications of AI, they are not only defending their craft but also asserting the importance of human creativity in a rapidly digitising world. This cultural tug-of-war highlights the essential role of zines in fostering diverse voices and perspectives, reminding us that art, in its most authentic form, is a deeply human endeavour.
