Before the War Special Edition

“The images are full-bled in a series of small signature booklets, comprised like nesting dolls to make up the larger whole. Intentionally loose in formality, the publication inspires the viewer to function as an investigator. With my second peering, I found better pleasure engaging with the photos stream-of-consciously, ingesting the the images cinematically, excited in leaving the overarching story of the Mexican drug cartel wars behind and belied. This is photography and editing working its great tangle of nonfictitious and fictional ways. One of the few examples where elaborate and novel design doesn’t deter my excitement to flip and flounder”. Michael Ast for PhotoBook Melbourne

Publication date 2015 / 30 x 23.5cm  / 600g
5 booklets, 102 pages, 1 poster, 1 postcard
5 (8×10) inkjet prints in box

Texts by César Valdez

Risograph, Offset printing

Edition of 11, no ISBN
Edited by Fernando Gallegos

Design concept by Alejandro Cartagena and Fernando Gallegos

Editorial Design by Roberto Salazar

Printed by Crater Invertido and Oscar Carnevali

Box design by Teresa Rodriguez

Published by Alejandro Cartagena