Independent Publishing House — Palermo
Independent Publishing House — Palermo
30,00 €
This photographic project stems from the observation of two artificial channels (Diversivo Est and Diversivo Ovest), built in the 1930s to collect rainwater flowing down from the hills south of a small provincial town, Piacenza.
Their construction profoundly reshaped the region’s hydraulic infrastructure. Previously, the water descending from the hills reached the Po River by passing through the heart of the city and the surrounding countryside, frequently causing flooding in central neighborhoods and outlying areas. With the creation of these new channels, the city finally managed to put an end to its historic vulnerability to flooding, enjoying a healthier environment and positive impacts on community life—ranging from individual well-being to economic and social development.
The Diversivo Ovest, in particular, is undoubtedly the most well-known. Everyone calls it the “Canal of Hunger” (Canale della fame), a name dating back to difficult times when its construction provided work for unemployed manual laborers, many of whom lived with their families in extreme poverty…
1. EDITION 03/2026
Text by Patrizio Maiavacca
Book design by Patrizio Maiavacca, 89books
72 pages
24 x 31 cm
55 BW photographs
Softcover
Digital print
ISBN 979-12-82350-10-5
Founded by a photographer, 89books emerged from the desire to elevate the book as an artistic medium and to create opportunities for photographers at the beginning of their careers, as well as for those with little or no previous experience in photobook publishing. Book proposals may be submitted at any time, either as a completed dummy or as an invitation to collaborate on the development of a project from a larger body of photographic material. In the latter case, 89books works closely with the artist on image selection, editing, sequencing, and graphic design in order to shape the work into a carefully conceived publication.
Folio is a special series of 89books dedicated to the production of fast-paced publications distinguished by a cohesive design and a standard format (21 × 28 cm). Each edition is housed in a printed envelope, reinforcing the tactile and collectible nature of the object. With Folio, 89books aims to respond to photographers’ desire to produce limited-edition publications quickly, while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Folio is continuously open to submissions from artists and photographers with fully developed projects seeking to transform their work into a carefully conceived publication.
The 89Books AIR Program (Artists in Residence) supports professionals working in contemporary art, with a particular focus on photography and bookmaking. During the residency, residents may either refine an existing project with the aim of transforming it into a book, or develop new work in the city of Palermo intended to become part of Quaderno Palermo – a collection of impressions of the city and its inhabitants conceived in dialogue with the 89books team. The residency also seeks to question and expand the very notion of the “book,” exploring new possibilities for how photobooks can be made, structured, viewed, and experienced. Residencies typically last two weeks. Shorter or longer stays may be arranged individually. Selected candidates receive a letter of support to assist with applications for external funding covering travel expenses and per diems.
Quaderno Palermo is a special publication series dedicated to photographers’ interpretations of Palermo, a city endlessly photographed and immortalized in cinema. At once visually captivating and deeply neglected, Palermo offers a rich and layered terrain for artistic exploration. Projects may be developed independently or within the framework of the 89books Artist-in-Residence program. The intended outcome is a publication in the Quaderno Palermo series.
