I once went into non-profit artist bookstore Printed Matter and askedwhat was the most shoplifted item that they stocked. I was told that by far it was Nieves, the Zurich-based line of zines and books set up by Benjamin Somerhalder in 2001. It's little surprise: They were, after all, installed right next to the exit. But beyond that, Nieves books have an appeal that extends outside the bookstores—whether it be for the zines they publish and distribute, by Mark Gonzales and Kim Gordon among others, or by their minimal, handmade sensibility. (PHOTO: BENJAMIN SOMERHALDER)
Tonight, Nieves presents over 100 zines on view at Printed matter; it's the first exhibition of Nieves mateirlas doing New York outside the context of a fair. It's not easy to install books: pages are hard to flip through without being worn or—especially in this case—stolen. They're also unveiling three new zines by Henry Roy, Katerina Christidi and Harmony Korine, all published with Benjamin's seal of approval: "It has to catch you eyes, but also your heart or soul."
Books are so great because they can't be taken in all at once, or easily located and catalogued into one theme. Interview asked Benjamin to select his five top art booksellers worldwide.
1. Utrecht (Toyko)
This shops is part of an office in the 3rd floor of a Japenese apartment building book shop at Nakameguro, Tokyo owned by Hiroshi Eguchi. very small, with an amazing selection of old and new titles as well as Utrecht's self-published books.
407 Nakameguro Mansion 1-5-10 Kami-Nakamiguro Meguro-ku. Open by appointment.
Printed Matter, New York
This ia a non-profit artist bookstore where you can start with a new shelf every time you visit and find tons of things you never knew existed. They also host exhibitions (like Neives, tonight); pictured left is during the annual summer artist-made T-shirt fair, where last year k8 Hardy performed.. There's also a free shelf, where you can leave your own.
195 Tenth Avenue. Open Tuesday–Sunday.
3. Curio Books, Gunma (Tokyo)
This store is madness, and it specializes in vintage books from the 1950s–1980s. So far-fledged Icouldn't even find a picture online!
193-12 Namiemachi, Takasakishi 
4. Bücherbrocky, Zurich
a big second hand book place in zurich, you'll find lot's of old paperbacks, children's books and more. You can cart everything around in a shopping cart!
5. Ooga Booga, Los Angeles
Wendy Yao's Chinatown boutique is one of the originals in a now-bustling Chinatown. It's in the second floor of commercial complex where you might expect a dentist's office to be. Instead, you'll find
Nieves opens tonight with a book signing by Tim Barber and Rick Myers on Saturday, April 4, 5–7 PM. Printed Matter is located at 195 Tenth Avenue, New York.
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