Donovan Wylie The Maze Prison Photo book troubles

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Between 2002 and 2003 Donovan Wylie spent almost a hundred days photographing inside the Maze prison. Through its history of protests, hunger strikes and escapes, this prison, holding both republican and loyalist prisoners, became synonymous with the Northern Ireland conflict. After the Belfast peace agreement in 1998, inmates were gradually released, but the Maze remained open. Wylie was the only photographer granted official and unlimited access to the site, and when the demolition of the prison began, symbolizing the end of the conflict in 2007, he systematically recorded its demise. The photographs which document this period are divided into four sections, each depicting a “layer” of the prison: the internal walls, the various modes of fencing, the H-blocks and, finally, the perimeter walls, which reveal the external landscape. Eventually this once-enclosed space is reintegrated with the outside world. First published in 2004 to critical acclaim, this new edition of Maze comes in three volumes: Maze 2002/03, Maze 2007/08, and The Architecture of Containment. Donovan Wylie was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1971.

[@paulvallance4347]

As you turned the pages the cumulative feeling tone generated by these images became almost unbearable. Although in colour the photographs depict an environment devoid of any colour or life. I realise the prison is now closed but I longed to see some sign of humanity and human life, though I wouldn't wish incarceration there on anyone. When we eventually reach the interior and see inside the cells with their little patterned curtains, the feeling of alienation and sadness intensified. I'm glad this place is gone and I'm glad Wylie has documented it so unflinchingly. Thank you for sharing this Robin.

[@ChrisBrogan]

Wow. This is kind of..meditative. Looking at the other comments, I suspect this book won't quite be a bestseller. But it really does capture something, this obsessive documentation. I won't be asking my library for this one, but I liked seeing it. :)

[@photobookguy1380]

Agree, it was one I was interested in seeing, but I sold it after buying it.

[@pemek1172]

shallow approach

[@gianbattistamalvestiti5734]

Libro noioso troppo ripetitivo..