Tsismis comes from the Filipino word for gossip or hearsay. Coming from the Spanish term chismosa, tsismis represents a social act at its core. Though tsismis comes with negative connotations through its association with the spread of misinformation, tsismis challenges official discourse and authoritative forms of meaning-making, such as the news media and institutional narratives. The ways in which we participate in tsismis differs in medium and form, but the urge to engage in communal storytelling remains constant. This passing of information gives it validity outside of traditional or hierarchical systems.

Tsism.is acknowledges that there is no singular definition of truth and asks instead: what is the weight of the narrative and the voice of the individual in defining a collective experience?

To answer this, tsism.is nurtures ideas from these ephemeral conversations. Through self-publishing, we create a space for artists, writers, and other practitioners to explore works-in-progress or turn new ideas into tangible objects.

Contact us at tsismdotis@gmail.com