Independent Publishing House — Palermo
Independent Publishing House — Palermo
40,00 €
Bosnia and Herzegovina stands at a critical juncture, caught between the promises of European integration and the reassertive influence of Russia in Eastern Europe. This tension is felt not only in the political arena but also in the daily lives of its people, shaping their hopes, fears, and expectations for the future. Through this long–term photo documentary project, I explored the perspectives of three generations — young, middle-aged, and elderly Bosnians — capturing their voices and lives at this pivotal moment.
The work delves into private settings, documenting intimate moments and everyday life, together with portraits and in-depth interviews, weaving a narrative of resilience and uncertainty that reflects the challenges facing the nation. Focusing on Bosnia’s complex identity reveals a country striving for modernity while grappling with historical wounds and ongoing political instability. Internal tensions, corruption, poverty, and unemployment are exacerbated by external pressures, raising concerns and highlighting stark generational contrasts in how people view their country’s future. The phrase “Malo Sutra”, a common Bosnian expletive of discouragement, embodies the lived reality of its people. This work provides a nuanced perspective on how the global balance of power between East and West is unfolding, with profound implications for Bosnia and the broader European landscape.
1. EDITION 09/2026
Text by Silvia Maraone
Book Design by Caimi & Piccinni
148 pages
17 x 22 cm
52 color photographs
15 BW photographs
Softcover + stapled booklet pag. 36
Digital print
ISBN 979-12-82350-20-4
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.
