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Sad news recently that San Francisco revolutionary bookshop and gallery Babylon Falling will be closing its doors for the last time come the end of June. Upper Playground’s Walrus TV caught up with the man behind Babylon, Sean Stewart, to get his take on what it means to be a revolutionary and how this common desire to the share a better life has rallied a community around his store. It’s an inspiring and thoughtful take on what it means to be an agent of change through cultural production.

The store has worked with an extraordinary array of artists and activists over the past few years. These include the late Shawn Mortensen, buZ blurr, Frank Kozik, Emory Douglas and Shaun Roberts. Many other less well-known artists have also found in Babylon Falling a home where their work can find open-minded appreciation.

I've counted Sean who runs Babylon Falling as a friend and supporter for several years. I'm sure there are countless others who have been energised by his enthusiasm for new ideas and perspectives on life.

Here's Sean's own take on his current situation:

This is not simply a matter of keeping the doors open but of continuing to operate at a level that I'm proud of... Up until recently everything had gone as it had to every single step of the way.  Last October saw the beginnings of a peeling back of growth which has continued unabated, and which I have suspicion to believe will continue much longer than I have the stomach for.    

Discipline above all else.  I refuse to watch Babylon Falling limp to a slow death.... This marks the death of one store and does not foretell the death of an industry, nor is it to be taken as a sign of anything other than bad timing and shallow pockets.  

Wise man once said, "You gotta know when to hold 'em, gotta know when to fold 'em". I guess it's always better to save your drive and energy for the battles you are capable of winning. A decisive step backwards is sometimes better than a grand leap forwards from the edge of a cliff.

Sean will find a new project to carry his passion once the time's right. For now though, anyone in the Bay Area make sure you get to Babylon Falling to enjoy this special little nook while you can. There’s a store-wide 50% off sale to help make it easy for you.

If you can’t make it to the store do check out the always fascinating Babylon Falling blog, and the beautifully edited ‘Studio Visit’ artist video profiles in the site's ‘Features’ section.

The Walrus TV interview by Alexander Tarrant and Shaun Roberts is below.

Babylon Falling 

1017 Bush St (@Jones)

San Francisco, CA 94109

Store Hours:

Tues-Sat: 12-9pm

Phone:

415-345-1017

www.babylonfalling.com