Cora Perkins, Assistant Spectrum Editor
Tucked near the heart of downtown, Agony Books, a Black-owned specialty bookshop and gallery, has become a meeting ground for dialogue, art, culture and community.
Books on art, critical theory, culture and history line the shelves — and squeezed between them are zines that create a sense of life in the store. Art from a multitude of creators lines the space.
Founded in 2021 by David Jaycox and Jesse Feinman, the store focuses on photography, design, critical theory and political commentary, according to its website. Jaycox initially reached out to Feinman with the idea for Agony because of what he built with his publishing practice, Pomegranate, according to Feinman.
“I was 25 at the time and the world felt really endless and big,” Feinman said. “I think it’s not so much that there wasn’t something being met, but maybe that a conversation could continue further, new things could be introduced, and I guess I saw myself as a good person to facilitate something like that.”
The people behind Agony try their best to keep the selection in store from feeling stale or predictable, according to Feinman.
“When the project first started, we were much more focused on photography, but it’s since then sort of shifted to highlight more poetry, theory, design, identity, leftist ideology, this and that,” Feinman said. “The work is of no use if it’s just in our hands — it has to pass to somebody else.”
One of Agony’s defining features is its zine collection. In addition to showcasing work from authors across the world and local independent works, the store features handmade zines from independent artists throughout Richmond — the same niche that was Feinman’s introduction to publishing.
“I think the goal for Agony can best be summarized as a small space for discovery, so of course I wanted to try to introduce people to things they may not have heard of before, even if it’s not maybe the most convenient or professional or whatever,” Feinman said.
Kwame Ta is one of the artists whose zine was featured in Agony. Last October, the store had a solo show and zine release event for Ta’s work, “We’ll see what time brings us” — which explores intimacy and the passing of precious moments.
Ta hopes readers will realize that moments we share with our loved ones are worthy of capturing, savoring and cherishing.
“No moment is too small or too big,” Ta said. “We have to bask in them, whatever way we can.”
Ta said it was an honor to work with Agony.
“It was easy working with people who are both professionals, experienced and open-minded,” Ta said. “Putting these images into the world physically felt like a way of saying thank you to my friends, my family and my community.”
Beyond literature, Agony functions as a gallery space. With different exhibitions and installations being showcased throughout the store, the art acts as a visual form of dialogue that blends with the printed material casing the shelves.
Laneecia Ricks, an artist who showcased her senior thesis at Agony, said the process was overall supportive.
“I met people that I didn’t know, and was able to connect with people through my art,” said Laneecia, an artist who showcased her senior thesis at Agony. “It was great to see all the support and the community that showed up.”
Ricks’ thesis “If You Pray Right” was about finding a relationship and understanding between being queer and religious.
“Overall this project was me trying to find peace with that and my connection to religion,” Ricks said.
It is dire that specialized stores like Agony to feature local artists, according to Ricks.
“A lot of local artists, we like to be in our own bubble,” Ricks said. “So to have the opportunity to be featured in a local area, the word of mouth spreads, not just for the artist but also for the store.”
It’s been a priority at Agony to provide a space for artists and art enthusiasts to see publications that are not commonly found in Richmond, according to Barrett Reynolds, an employee at Agony.
“Being able to host events within the space is always deeply rewarding; it’s heartwarming to see the community show their support,” Reynolds said. “It’s always enriching to have photography, graphic design classes, plan visits to the store; getting to chat with students looking to venture into bookmaking is something I always appreciate.”
In a city full of art and culture like Richmond, Agony amplifies the artists of all mediums who inhabit it, creating a space for their work to be shared.
Agony Books is open on Thursday-Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 304 E. Main St., Suite B. More information can be found on their website, agonybook.club and their instagram @agonybooks.