Independent Publishing House — Palermo
Independent Publishing House — Palermo
45,00 €
The uniqueness of jointly signing nearly all the work exhibited or published online or in print deserves mention. Objectively, the shot chosen for publication was taken by either one or the other, Letizia or Vitaliano. However, they do not wish to make any distinctions or individual attributions of merit. Not so much because they are a couple in life and in work, but because of the belief (and nothing is more appropriate when it comes to perspectives on reality) that “four eyes see better than two”. This is why they often both take part in the same event, which then leads to the best results for the award-winning firm Giambalvo & Napolitano. This characteristic of working as a couple is unique in photography; there are but few examples. Cinema, on the other hand, is full of excellent directors doing everything together, especially when they are siblings, like the Cohen brothers, the Taviani brothers, the Dardenne brothers, the young D’Innocenzos, the Wachowkis. After all, cinema came into the world over a century ago at the hands of the legendary Lumiere brothers. Cinema, then, the most accomplished and evocative derivative of the history of images, can sometimes be “a family affair”, a splendid family affair. Just like the luminous portraits in this photographic journey, created all in the family by the magical couple of the click, Giambalvo & Napolitano. To my friends, Letizia and Vitaliano.
1. EDITION 03/2024
Texts by Raffaele Curi, Massimo Scarafoni
Book design by 89books
183 BW photographs
1 color photograph
184 pages
30 × 21,5 cm
Softcover + pvc dust jacket
Digital print
ISBN 979-12-80423-65-8
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.
