25 x 35 cm, 384pp
Swiss binding, softcover

In order to secure a better future for themselves and their families, vast numbers of migrants set off for Europe every year. Many of them therefore risk the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea by boat. These Migrants are unaware that they are committing a criminal offense if they take on the role of a boat driver or simply hand out provisions to others, thereby placing themselves in a position of slightly greater responsibility in order to ensure their own survival. As soon as the boats caring migrants, reach the European coast, the ‘leaders’ in each boat are identified and labelled as ‘aiding and facilitating unauthorised entry’ or ‘smuggling’. Europe wants to step up its fight against migrant smuggling however, they fail when it comes to putting it into practice. In their eagerness to find someone to blame migrants are wrongfully detained and can be sentenced up to life in prison. That the actual smugglers, having received their payment and organized the crossing, are not on the boat themselves, receives up to no spotlight in the politics. 

The forgotten stories of the ‘Boat Driver’ is a research-based documentary, which tells the stories of seven different individuum’s and the criminalization of Boat drivers in Greece and Italy. The project consists of a visual collection of materials, documentary photographs, transcripts, portraits, and drawings, contributing to a counter narrative which critiques European legislation that contributes to the oppression and criminalization of refugees. 

Emily Beckmann

20 x 25 cm, 130pp
comb binding, softcover & hand-sewn zine

In the 1960s when traveling by plane was still considered a luxury and commercial flights became accessible to the public, security in airports was as good as non-existent. To accommodate their passengers and facilitate a smooth journey, you could go through boarding and never must have shown your identification card or ticket, Bags were also not searched. America, because security was so lax, entered an all time high of planes that were hijacked. Between 1968 and 1972 more than 130 planes were hijacked, sometimes even as often as once a week, but investing in more security, metal detectors and X-ray machines was not an option for Airlines. They expected that it would have been more expensive than the hijacking of a plane. In the beginning the Hijackers wanted to use this chance to get access to Cuba, to relocate there. Later they realised they could ask for more, so the demands began to shift to gold bars, cigarettes and cash-filled suitcases. In the beginning the public was deeply fascinated with these Hijackers and their motives, but after time they became disillusioned and moved on to different conversation topics. 

The Golden Age of Hijacking, showcases and examines this forgotten era shaped by fear and imagination, as well as the ultimately unsuccessful strategies developed to prevent aircraft hijackings. Situating these events within a broader social context, many hijackers were disillusioned with the ideals of the ‘American Dream’ that had been instilled in them from an early age. This is depicted in various ways. Using different types of medium, such as images, information and fiction, it asks whether the world has changed at all, or it is just the circumstances that have changed. 

Emily Beckmann

14,8 × 21 cm, 60pp
leporello, hardcover

Japanese culture still holds onto deep-rooted traditional values and belief systems. Takuma Misumi’s photographs showcase people celebrating various festivals and reflect the unchanging connection between them. These festivals, along with their rituals and meanings, have been passed down and celebrated through the ages. While certain customs and procedures have changed and adapted to the ever-changing lifestyles of the people, the innermost core that connects people has remained unchanged. 

To highlight this connection, the book is bound in the style of a Japanese red seal book, which is used to collect stamps from Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Japan. The photographs are printed on Japanese paper and the cover is made of yuzen paper. Every element of this photobook has been carefully selected to reflect deep Japanese traditions, from the photographs to the bookbinding.

Emily Beckmann

15,5 x 23 cm, 132pp
hardcover, belly band

White asparagus, or ‘white gold’ as it is colloquially known among people in Germany, is not like any other vegetable. In the 15th and 16th centuries, white asparagus was regarded as a status symbol and was enjoyed by kings, queens and wealthy nobles. Later, it found its way into the general population and became something of a cultural staple. In spring, between April and until June 24th – also known as asparagus season or Spargelzeit – asparagus is served in Germany in all manner of ways. Suddenly, every restaurant menu feature asparagus dishes, whether served with potatoes, ham, hollandaise sauce or simply butter. Small market stalls are popping up by the roadside and in car parks, where you can buy fresh asparagus straight from the farmer. If you find that too much hassle to cook, you can also buy tinned asparagus in supermarkets all year round. 

The photo book impressively illustrates the significance of asparagus in Germany and the culture and traditions associated with it. It also highlights the importance of the Asparagus Queen, who traditionally promotes the asparagus season and regional produce and performs the first asparagus harvest of the season.

Emily Beckmann