Joca Seria

Joca Seria represents a unique platform that brings together visual art and literature through the publication of high-quality art catalogues and literary works.
It was founded in 1991 by Brigitte and Bernard Martin as an independent SARL (limited liability company) focused on art and literature, with a strong interest in artistic writing, contemporary authors, poetry, and literary texts.

Supporting Creativity

Through the “Extraction” series and others, the publishing house encourages the production of unconventional literary texts, contributing to the diversification of the French literary landscape.

Local and International Presence

Based in Nantes, Joca Seria enjoys a strong local identity, while also publishing international (translated) works—giving it broader cultural influence.

Editorial Vision and Identity

The name “Joca Seria” is inspired by a Latin expression meaning “serious play” (jeu sérieux), a phrase used by the poet Francis Ponge in his collection of texts on the artist Alberto Giacometti.
From the outset, the publishing house set itself the mission of producing books that unite art and literature, reflecting a balance between aesthetic creativity and literary expression.

It runs an experimental series known as “Extraction”, launched in 2010 under the direction of Chloé Delaume, focusing on unique and experimental literary works.

Notable Authors and Publications

Among the writers published by Joca Seria are:

Frédéric Boyer, writer and translator, whose book La Langue fait battre mon cœur was published by Joca Seria.
James Guittet, a French painter and engraver from Nantes, published through Notes d’un peintre, a book expressing his artistic reflections.
Other artists such as Philippe Cognée, for whom the house published an illustrated book on his work, including Bilbao, featuring a dialogue with the artist alongside reproductions of his paintings.
In poetry, titles such as Euphorismes by the poet Michel Lonno.

Cultural Activities and Initiatives

Joca Seria organizes summer literary gatherings called “Écrivains en bord de mer” (“Writers by the Sea”) in La Baule during the month of July, reflecting its commitment to direct cultural engagement between readers and authors.
The house also demonstrates strong interest in art studies and exhibitions through the publication of art catalogues and critical texts on artists, making it a bridge between the publishing world and artistic circles.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges

Being a specialized publisher in art and experimental literature means that its audience is relatively limited compared to large commercial publishers.
Financing artistic projects (art books, exhibition catalogues) is often costly, and the associated financial risks can present a challenge for an independent publishing house.

Opportunities

Expanding the publication of translations of international writers and artists (as it already does with some American poets) to reach a global audience.
Strengthening its digital presence (online sales, e-books) to target a wider readership beyond traditional bookstores.
Developing partnerships with art galleries and museums to publish books on exhibitions or contemporary artists and further enhance its reputation as a leading art publisher.