how it started

Broken English & Other Languages is a limited-edition independent press founded by Russian-born, NYC-based artist Dasha Ziborova. Broken English specializes in risograph-printed and hand-bound zines, art books, comics, and art prints by artists, most of whom speak English as a second language.

The Broken English story began during the COVID months as a series of events at Cork Wine Bar in SoHo, where I wanted to bring together creators from different fields and experiment with unconventional, diverse storytelling. I have always believed in the power of mixing so-called “high” and “low” art, established publications, and self-published authors. Over time, musicians, video artists, writers, and journalists joined the mix too.

The next step was turning Broken English into a small press, publishing zines, art books, and prints by the talented artists and writers featured at the events. In April 2024, I ran a successful Kickstarter campaign to buy a Risograph printer. Since then, the press has published beautiful art prints by international artists and several zine titles, with more on the way.