OSCAR B. CASTILLO

This work has been about incarceration and the prison system in Venezuela, has been as well about the roots, causes, and consequences of the cycle of violence that engulfs the country, it has been, and is still, about hip hop and youth, about education and culture, but with time and through a lot of pain and smiles, fear and celebrations, and lessons learned with hugs and hits, I have realized that this work is about hope and dreams, it is about resilience and not giving up on them, on myself, on us as a collective goal.

This work is finally about the happiness of seeing the shadow of death vanishing from their faces as they grow, change, and get closer to crossing the line of salvation after the neverending exhausting run of today's Venezuela that is at the same time a marathon, a sprint, and an obstacle race. The multifaceted Venezuela with endless layers of joy, fun, and tragedy, of a revolution that forgot and betrayed the ones it sworn to protect and of people keeping their heads held high while struggling for air...for money, for food, for dignity.

For almost 8 years I have been extensively documenting the story of Free Convict, a Hip Hop collective born inside the General Penitentiary of Venezuela, a prison built for 750 inmates that had at some point 10 times its capacity. Their life inside a prison under total control of the bosses of criminal bands that with their own arsenal of weapons decided on the functioning of the prison, the unwritten strict criminal code of behavior, and the lives of the inmates. They were as well the organizers of the parties, the administrators of the visits, the sponsors and coaches of the sports activities, and were even in charge of the infrastructure as the government has virtually abandoned its duties towards the prison and the care of the persons under the state's responsibility.

Through photography and with documents, interventions, collages, and collaborative work this project aims to interconnect the dots of childhood, adolescence, education, exclusion, family, the nocive mirage of power and aggressive masculinity, and the reality of fast death or hard work for self redemption. And how these young men living in a system that sees them as a lost cause, and with all the odds against them, built their own plan for reinsertion.

A long journey surviving a prison where a bad word could literally mean 70 shots but also where solidarity is vibrant and the most important tool for survival. A long journey with their families waiting for a life signal after yet another massacre at the prison but also sharing hugs and hopes. Accompanying them back to the street and its challenges, becoming adults, becoming fathers, taking responsibility and control of their actions, surviving the machine of extrajudicial executions and the set of accounts of their past lives. All that with music as a reason and an excuse. Loving life more than the speed of drugs and weapons, and finally and for real, contributing to the reconstruction of Venezuelan life by putting their experiences in front of younger generations to help them avoid the abyss, and breaking the cycle of pulling the trigger or receiving the bullets.
------------------

In September 2022, I published the photobook “Esos Que Saben” (Those Who Know) with Raya Editorial. The book has been shortlisted for the Aperture – Paris Photo Photobook of the Year Award. It has as well been selected as part of the “20 Photobooks of the Year” by TIME Magazine and received the “Mention of Honor” for the Photobook Award at PhotoEspaña 2023.

Several members of Free Convict group sleeps in Terror's room. In a normal days presioners move all arond the prison and take breaks and sleep at any friends cell if want.

Several members of the Free Convict group sleep in Terror's room. On a normal day, prisoners move all around the prison and take breaks and sleep in any friend's cell if want.

Yefferson Cardenas is seen in a picture as little kid. On the right Yefferson first order of imprisonment in the General Penitentiary of Venezuela (PGV)

Yefferson Cardenas is seen in a picture as a little kid. On the right Yefferson's first order of imprisonment in the General Penitentiary of Venezuela (PGV)

View of an area of General Penitentiary of Venezuela (PGV in spanish). Some 5.000 inmates live inside this prison built for 750. No official numbers are avaiable as the goverment has not made an official list for tha last 3 years.

View of an area of the General Penitentiary of Venezuela (PGV in Spanish). Some 5.000 inmates live inside this prison built for 750. No official numbers are available as the government has not made an official list for the last 3 years.

A table full of joints and bags of marihuana, cocaine and crack, is seen on one of the alleys of prison. Drug abuse inside the jails is a common problem and is at the origin of many of the conflicts inside due to drug consumption, selling and distribution

A table full of joints and bags of marihuana, cocaine, and crack, is seen on one of the alleys of the prison. Drug abuse inside the jails is a common problem and is at the origin of many of the conflicts inside due to drug consumption, selling, and distribution.

View of a screen capture of a video intervention of one of my pictures showing the constant confrontation between the prisoners and the military forces for the control of the prison. The prisoners have their own arsenal that arrive to their hands with the

View of a screen capture of a video intervention of one of my pictures showing the constant confrontation between the prisoners and the military forces for the control of the prison. The prisoners have their own arsenal that arrives in their hands with the collaboration of corrupted military authorities, these same weapons are then used by bosses to keep control of the prison and the inmates and to combat the same military forces.

Ray Martinez, an inmate of PGV, with a shotgun controls an external alley to check not military movement is taking place outside of the prison. Prisoners control all levels of life inside the jail while authorities just are at the outside of doors and wal

Ray Martinez, an inmate of PGV, with a shotgun, controls an external alley to check no military movement is taking place outside of the prison. Prisoners control all levels of life inside the jail while authorities just are at the outside of doors and walls.

Hector together with her mother "La Pucha" sits for a picture on a visit day at Hector's bed on a makeshift room. For relatives of the inmates (mostly mothers and female couples) the process of follow the prison period of the relative is very hard in a co

Hector together with her mother "La Pucha" sits for a picture on a visit day at Hector's bed in a makeshift room. For relatives of the inmates (mostly mothers and female couples), the process of following the prison period of the relative is very hard in a country in a heavy economic crisis and with a very violent prison system.

View of the bible of Luis Marquez aka "Shotman". This bible was given to him when just arriving in the prison first time and was the only object he managed to keep in his long odyssey in 4 different prisons and very extreme life conditions.
View of the bible of Luis Marquez aka "Shotman". This bible was given to him when just arriving in the prison first time and was the only object he managed to keep in his long odyssey in 4 different prisons and very extreme life conditions.
Evangelist prisioners pray at a visit of reverends from Caracas. In Venezuelan prisions evangelists have their own zone and are respected by gangs inside but have to make all the jobs like cleaning, carrying water or building and do not have the right to
Evangelist prisioners pray at a visit of reverends from Caracas. In Venezuelan prisions evangelists have their own zone and are respected by gangs inside but have to make all the jobs like cleaning, carrying water or building and do not have the right to move around the prision after 7pm.
Aka "El Mago" (The Magician) stands in the middle of one of the main prisons alley after doing some magic tricks to a woman visiting her partner in prison. "El Mago" is known for his good tricks but due to a heavy drug addiction now doesn't even has the m
Aka "El Mago" (The Magician) stands in the middle of one of the main prisons alley after doing some magic tricks to a woman visiting her partner in prison. "El Mago" is known for his good tricks but due to a heavy drug addiction now doesn't even has the material for the show. Many debts and impossibility to get health attention are having heavy consequences on his life.
View of the bible of Luis Marquez aka "Shotman". This bible was given to him when just arriving in the prison first time and was the only object he managed to keep in his long odyssey in 4 different prisons and very extreme life conditions.
View of the bible of Luis Marquez aka "Shotman". This bible was given to him when just arriving in the prison first time and was the only object he managed to keep in his long odyssey in 4 different prisons and very extreme life conditions.
Fragment of a testimony by Elio Devoz on how he was punished with a shot in the hands for supposedly having stolen a cigarrette. Punishments by the unwritten criminal code are heavy and include shot in hands and feet, sledgehammering or choping fingers or

Example of text (not a layout) - Fragment of a testimony by Elio Devoz on how he was punished with a shot in the hands for supposedly having stolen a cigarette. Punishments by the unwritten criminal code are heavy and include shots in the hands and feet, sledgehammering or chopping fingers, or being killed by many guns shooting at the same time.

View of an inmate hiphop artist's bed with lyrics folder and the gun he carries inside the prison. He explains that he is living his prisoners life as a gangster with the responsabilities and tasks it implies but that he also keeps his mind on his music
View of an inmate hiphop artist's bed with lyrics folder and the gun he carries inside the prison. He explains that he is living his prisoners life as a gangster with the responsabilities and tasks it implies but that he also keeps his mind on his music as a way to express more than just the gang life.
Ray Martinez, Aka " El Niche" takes half a trip paper of LSD inside the eye at a party in the prison.
Ray Martinez, Aka " El Niche" takes half a trip paper of LSD inside the eye at a party in the prison.
Inmates part of the hip hop group "Free Convict" meet to discuss about the album they want to record. Ray Martinez, "El Niche" (first on the right) is the oldest one of the group and is as well the one with more experience on criminal life and problems wi
Inmates part of the hip hop group "Free Convict" meet to discuss about the album they want to record. Ray Martinez, "El Niche" (first on the right) is the oldest one of the group and is as well the one with more experience on criminal life and problems with justice and even if still inside violence has became the most important culture promotor of the group and talks about what will be the work plan and the compromise everyone must assume.
Ray "El Niche" and Elio "Devoz" work in the studio on some new songs they want to record that same night at the studio the group built inside the prison.
Ray "El Niche" and Elio "Devoz" work in the studio on some new songs they want to record that same night at the studio the group built inside the prison.
A picture of Jean Carlo "Cao" brother of Daniel "EL AS" Ramirez together with a letter for "Cao" who was killed by rival gangs when Daniel was 16 years old and was giving his first steps in the criminal life, the killing of "Cao" took Daniel deeper inside

Example of text (not a layout)

A picture of Jean Carlo "Cao" brother of Daniel "EL AS" Ramirez together with a letter for "Cao" who was killed by rival gangs when Daniel was 16 years old and was giving his first steps in criminal life, the killing of "Cao" took Daniel deeper inside violence and he ended up serving 3 times in prison.

View of an electronic music party in the main square of the prison. Prisoners, together with visitors have party until the morning and enjoy different guest and local djs with smoke machines and laser lights show.

View of an electronic music party in the main square of the prison. Prisoners, together with visitors had a party until the morning and enjoyed different guests and local DJs with smoke machines and laser lights show.

Fireworks are seen in the sky at the party for the celebration of the prison boss' birthday.
Fireworks are seen in the sky at the party for the celebration of the prison boss' birthday.
A view of the central area of the prison with some trophies for different sport final matches together with the portraits of the last gang bosses inside the prison, all killed, generally by police forces, after been released from prison.

A view of the central area of the prison with some trophies for different sports final matches together with the portraits of the last gang bosses inside the prison, all killed, generally by police forces, after being released from prison.

From L to R: Ray, Hector and Rollon, Members of Free Convict, a hip hop group formed inside the prison, sit in top of the highest point of the jail and record a music video clip with a drone. This place used to be the bell tower of the prison's church but

From L to R: Ray, Hector, and Rollon, Members of Free Convict, a hip-hop group formed inside the prison, sit at the top of the highest point of the jail and record a music video clip with a drone. This place used to be the bell tower of the prison's church but became the checkpoint for gangs to control the prison and its perimeter, the bullet shots on the walls testify of the many battles between prisoners and authorities.

Digital collage of fragments of internet videos showing scenes of confrontations for the control of the prisons in Venezuela. Corruption, political interests, negligence and completely negationist approach of the government to the issue turned it into a h

Digital collage of fragments of internet videos showing scenes of confrontations for the control of the prisons in Venezuela. Corruption, political interests, negligence, and a complete negationist approach of the government to the issue turned it into hell with constant massacres, executions, lack of work and educational programs, heavy drug consumption and distribution, and an increasing control of criminal networks all over the country from the prisons.

In Vargas State, on Venezuelan Caribbean Coast, Ray Martinez, member and leader of Free Convict takes some moment alone at a volunteering day for the town where doctors, nurses and NGOs bring medical assistance, medicines and recreational activities to c
In Vargas State, on Venezuelan Caribbean Coast, Ray Martinez, member and leader of Free Convict takes some moment alone at a volunteering day for the town where doctors, nurses and NGOs bring medical assistance, medicines and recreational activities to communities at high risk amongst the deep Venezuelan socio-economic crisis.
Luis "Shotman" put his hand tattooed with the Free Convict logo on the belly of his pregnant girlfriend Adriana the day after that "Shotman" has been released from prison. On the last month of pregnancy the baby died inside Adriana's body and for 3 days t
Luis "Shotman" put his hand tattooed with the Free Convict logo on the belly of his pregnant girlfriend Adriana the day after that "Shotman" has been released from prison. On the last month of pregnancy the baby died inside Adriana's body and for 3 days they hang in public hospitals without been admitted or recieving any medical care, finally at a hospital the body was extracted with Adriana at the border of a total infection.
A picture of Elio Devoz as young child is seen ripped off. Elio, who never met his biological father, says his mother teared the picture off to take away the part where appeared Elio's step father.
A picture of Elio Devoz as young child is seen ripped off. Elio, who never met his biological father, says his mother teared the picture off to take away the part where appeared Elio's step father.
Members of Free Convict together with Otro Enfoque, a NGO working for social inclusion are seen late at night visiting a group of kids from 6 to 19 years old living in the streets of Caracas under a bridge on the side of a river recieving the sewers of th

Members of Free Convict together with Otro Enfoque, an NGO working for social inclusion are seen late at night visiting a group of kids from 6 to 19 years old living in the streets of Caracas under a bridge on the side of a river receiving the sewers of the whole city. Free Convict continuously collaborates on different initiatives of reinsertion and inclusion bringing through their experiences in crime life and prison a message of prevention and change.

Daniel Ramirez aka "El As" is seen together with his mother and a teacher after recieving a diploma for his 6th grade. On the side the prison file of Daniel's first of 3 sentences.
Daniel Ramirez aka "El As" is seen together with his mother and a teacher after recieving a diploma for his 6th grade. On the side the prison file of Daniel's first of 3 sentences.
Daniel aka "The Ace" stands for a picture together with a group of young boys and girls between 6 and 18 years old living in the streets and under a bridge in Caracas west side. Daniel and Free Convict have been working with the group bringing them activi
Daniel aka "The Ace" stands for a picture together with a group of young boys and girls between 6 and 18 years old living in the streets and under a bridge in Caracas west side. Daniel and Free Convict have been working with the group bringing them activities to prevent violence and to promote conflict resolutions. For Free Convict is the opportunity to actively participate in education and inclusion, an opportunity they said they never had.
(Top) A picture of Daniel Ramirez "El As" as a young child, Daniel says he never imagined he would end up in so many problems of drugs, violence and incarceration but at 14 years old was already following the crime life with 4 different periods incarcerat
(Top) A picture of Daniel Ramirez "El As" as a young child, Daniel says he never imagined he would end up in so many problems of drugs, violence and incarceration but at 14 years old was already following the crime life with 4 different periods incarcerated since 16 years old after his brother got killed. (B) A drawing from Elio Devoz about how he sees his current situation as a former prisoner amidst the very complicated crisis in Venezuela. Hyper inflation, violence, the many extra judiciary executions are some of his main problems.
Ray Martinez is seen at the burial of the 3 months old baby of Javier (with the stripes shirt), one of the young boys living in the streets. Ray and Free Convict have been very active with this group of kids, young boys and girls living in the street and
Ray Martinez is seen at the burial of the 3 months old baby of Javier (with the stripes shirt), one of the young boys living in the streets. Ray and Free Convict have been very active with this group of kids, young boys and girls living in the street and have organized several visits and sessions to prevent criminal activities and violence and work on reinsertion together with other independent organizations.
Daniel "El As" Ramirez, 27 years old, is seen at his room in his sister apartment. During confinement due to Corona Virus pandemic Daniel has learnt how to use many different phone apps to record, mix, post produce and release his own songs all in a basic

Daniel "El As" Ramirez, 27 years old, is seen in his room in his sister's apartment. During confinement due to Corona Virus pandemic, Daniel has learned how to use many different phone apps to record, mix, post-produce, and release his own songs all on a basic smartphone. Daniel has been in prison since 15 years old in 3 different periods for a total of 10 years almost.

Francisco aka "Dos K" gives a video to "El As". Dos K has to migrate to Colombia due to some legal problems he had on the border between Colombia and Venezuela for some small amount of Marihuana possesion that was increased by police to then extort him.

Francisco aka "Dos K" has a video call with Daniel "El As". Dos K had to migrate to Colombia due to some legal problems he had on the border between Colombia and Venezuela for some small amount of Marihuana possession that was increased by police to then extort him.

A Xray check of Daniel Ramirez is seen on the left with his lungs deeply affected by the Tuberculosis he got in jail. On the right Ray Martinez is seen at his house before leaving to work a bicycle delivery. The recent pandemic situation has found Free Co
A Xray check of Daniel Ramirez is seen on the left with his lungs deeply affected by the Tuberculosis he got in jail. On the right Ray Martinez is seen at his house before leaving to work a bicycle delivery. The recent pandemic situation has found Free Convict members very vulnerable with little resources to protect themselves and with a history of pulmonar diseases for many of them.
On the front, inmates wearing facemasks inside a prison in hands of the government are controlled for temperature amidst the world COVID-19 pandemic. On the background, in the same period, the bodies of many prisoners killed by security forces lay on the
On the front, inmates wearing facemasks inside a prison in hands of the government are controlled for temperature amidst the world COVID-19 pandemic. On the background, in the same period, the bodies of many prisoners killed by security forces lay on the ground after a riot erupted inside the prison and confusing situation started. Government says they wanted to escape, relatives and prisoners say the riot started when protesting for food.
Ray Martinez is seen together with his partner at their house. After serving more than 10 years in prison in different periods, Ray today focuses on Free Convict but also produces his solo music, study to finish high school and participate in social initi
Ray Martinez is seen together with his partner at their house. After serving more than 10 years in prison in different periods, Ray today focuses on Free Convict but also produces his solo music, study to finish high school and participate in social initiatives for conflict and violence prevention.
Daniel "El As' sings at a Free Convict concert, the group has been growing and touches a sector of the public looking for messages of improvement and change as the country is exahusted by years of violence.
Daniel "El As' sings at a Free Convict concert, the group has been growing and touches a sector of the public looking for messages of improvement and change as the country is exahusted by years of violence.
Elio Devoz and Rosy, his sentimental partner, are seen kissing at Elio's birthday. Soon after they got the news of her pregnancy.

Elio Devoz and Rosy, his sentimental partner, are seen kissing on Elio's birthday. Soon after they got the news of her pregnancy.

A screen capture of a WhatsApp conversation where a police officer friend of Free Convict members advises them to stay at home and low profile as the order to the police forces is to kill any suspect with previous criminal records. "They want no prisoners, only kill is the order," he says.

Hector Villavicencio (Center) is portrayed at the first moment we see him again after an incident in which the police executed his cousin Jhoiberg and almost killed Hector while sleeping at a friend's house. On the sides pictures of Junior (Right) and Hum
Hector Villavicencio (Center) is portrayed at the first moment we see him again after an incident in which the police executed his cousin Jhoiberg and almost killed Hector while sleeping at a friend's house. On the sides pictures of Junior (Right) and Humberto (Left) Hector's younger and older brothers both violently killed in previous years. For Hector the final goal is to break the chain that has kept his family in tragedy with several relatives killed and in criminal life.

Example of text (not a layout)   - Fragment of testimony by Hector Villavicencio on his experience of almost been executed in a extrajudiciary procedure in which his cousin was killed.

A screen capture of a Whatsapp conversation with Hector Villavicencio where he express his will to go to a psychologist therapy as his head is in a very difficult moment after the killing of his cousin in front of him, and a bad personal story of 2 siblings and another cousin killed before.

At a psychological group therapy members of Free Convict together with collaborators of the initiative make a collective exercise for perdon and better interpersonal relations with other person close to the group and therapists interested in supporting th
At a psychological group therapy members of Free Convict together with collaborators of the initiative make a collective exercise for perdon and better interpersonal relations with other person close to the group and therapists interested in supporting their process for reinsertion
Hector Villavicencio stands for a portrait while he and other members of Free Convict take a day of work cleaning and painting a disco club. Crisis in Venezuela make steady jobs scarce and very badly paid with minimum wage being at less than 5 USD per mon

Hector Villavicencio stands for a portrait while he and other members of Free Convict take a day of work cleaning and painting a disco club. The crisis in Venezuela makes steady jobs scarce and very badly paid with minimum wage being at less than 5 USD per month.

An identity picture of young Hector Villavicencio is seen together with the backside of the picture where the grandmom bless him and ask for protection for Hector.

An identity picture of young Hector Villavicencio is seen together with the backside of the picture where the grandmom blesses him and asks for protection for Hector.

Before an important show in Caracas Free Convict members make a collective hand shake and say their manifesto of giving the best of themselves to keep contributing with music and culture to an improvement in the situation in Venezuela and give a message o

Before an important show in Caracas Free Convict members make a collective handshake and say their manifesto of giving the best of themselves to keep contributing with music and culture to an improvement in the situation in Venezuela and give a message of peaceful change and improvement.

Vista de un selfie de Luis Manuel Marquez y su familia en la pantalla de una pequeña computadora en su casa de un barrio popular de la periferia de Caracas. Luis Manuel aka "Shotman" es miembro FREE CONVICT, un grupo musical y colectivo de Hip Hop formado
Vista de un selfie de Luis Manuel Marquez y su familia en la pantalla de una pequeña computadora en su casa de un barrio popular de la periferia de Caracas. Luis Manuel aka "Shotman" es miembro FREE CONVICT, un grupo musical y colectivo de Hip Hop formado en prisión y dedicado a la reinserción y prevención de la violencia. Durante años "Shotman" ha estado atrapado en el círculo de las drogas, la violencia y la cárcel pero hoy está con su pareja y limpio de consumo de drogas.
Luis Marquez aka "Shotman" is seen together with Haily, his 7 months old baby, at the area he now lives in the periphery of Caracas together with his sentimental partner Adriana. After losing another baby that died in mother's womb, "Shotman" went back to

Luis Marquez aka "Shotman" is seen together with Haily, his 7-month-old baby, at the area he now lives in the periphery of Caracas together with his sentimental partner Adriana. After losing another baby that died in their mother's womb, "Shotman" went back to heavy drug consumption and was even sleeping in the street but he went on a period of rehabilitation and is now back with Free Convict and working on his family stability.

This work has been about incarceration and the prison system in Venezuela, has been as well about the roots, causes, and consequences of the cycle of violence that engulfs the country, it has been, and is still, about hip hop and youth, about education and culture, but with time and through a lot of pain and smiles, fear and celebrations, and lessons learned with hugs and hits, I have realized that this work is about hope and dreams, it is about resilience and not giving up on them, on myself, on us as a collective goal.

This work is finally about the happiness of seeing the shadow of death vanishing from their faces as they grow, change, and get closer to crossing the line of salvation after the neverending exhausting run of today's Venezuela that is at the same time a marathon, a sprint, and an obstacle race. The multifaceted Venezuela with endless layers of joy, fun, and tragedy, of a revolution that forgot and betrayed the ones it sworn to protect and of people keeping their heads held high while struggling for air...for money, for food, for dignity.

For almost 8 years I have been extensively documenting the story of Free Convict, a Hip Hop collective born inside the General Penitentiary of Venezuela, a prison built for 750 inmates that had at some point 10 times its capacity. Their life inside a prison under total control of the bosses of criminal bands that with their own arsenal of weapons decided on the functioning of the prison, the unwritten strict criminal code of behavior, and the lives of the inmates. They were as well the organizers of the parties, the administrators of the visits, the sponsors and coaches of the sports activities, and were even in charge of the infrastructure as the government has virtually abandoned its duties towards the prison and the care of the persons under the state's responsibility.

Through photography and with documents, interventions, collages, and collaborative work this project aims to interconnect the dots of childhood, adolescence, education, exclusion, family, the nocive mirage of power and aggressive masculinity, and the reality of fast death or hard work for self redemption. And how these young men living in a system that sees them as a lost cause, and with all the odds against them, built their own plan for reinsertion.

A long journey surviving a prison where a bad word could literally mean 70 shots but also where solidarity is vibrant and the most important tool for survival. A long journey with their families waiting for a life signal after yet another massacre at the prison but also sharing hugs and hopes. Accompanying them back to the street and its challenges, becoming adults, becoming fathers, taking responsibility and control of their actions, surviving the machine of extrajudicial executions and the set of accounts of their past lives. All that with music as a reason and an excuse. Loving life more than the speed of drugs and weapons, and finally and for real, contributing to the reconstruction of Venezuelan life by putting their experiences in front of younger generations to help them avoid the abyss, and breaking the cycle of pulling the trigger or receiving the bullets.
------------------

In September 2022, I published the photobook “Esos Que Saben” (Those Who Know) with Raya Editorial. The book has been shortlisted for the Aperture – Paris Photo Photobook of the Year Award. It has as well been selected as part of the “20 Photobooks of the Year” by TIME Magazine and received the “Mention of Honor” for the Photobook Award at PhotoEspaña 2023.

Several members of Free Convict group sleeps in Terror's room. In a normal days presioners move all arond the prison and take breaks and sleep at any friends cell if want.

Several members of the Free Convict group sleep in Terror's room. On a normal day, prisoners move all around the prison and take breaks and sleep in any friend's cell if want.

Yefferson Cardenas is seen in a picture as little kid. On the right Yefferson first order of imprisonment in the General Penitentiary of Venezuela (PGV)

Yefferson Cardenas is seen in a picture as a little kid. On the right Yefferson's first order of imprisonment in the General Penitentiary of Venezuela (PGV)

View of an area of General Penitentiary of Venezuela (PGV in spanish). Some 5.000 inmates live inside this prison built for 750. No official numbers are avaiable as the goverment has not made an official list for tha last 3 years.

View of an area of the General Penitentiary of Venezuela (PGV in Spanish). Some 5.000 inmates live inside this prison built for 750. No official numbers are available as the government has not made an official list for the last 3 years.

A table full of joints and bags of marihuana, cocaine and crack, is seen on one of the alleys of prison. Drug abuse inside the jails is a common problem and is at the origin of many of the conflicts inside due to drug consumption, selling and distribution

A table full of joints and bags of marihuana, cocaine, and crack, is seen on one of the alleys of the prison. Drug abuse inside the jails is a common problem and is at the origin of many of the conflicts inside due to drug consumption, selling, and distribution.

View of a screen capture of a video intervention of one of my pictures showing the constant confrontation between the prisoners and the military forces for the control of the prison. The prisoners have their own arsenal that arrive to their hands with the

View of a screen capture of a video intervention of one of my pictures showing the constant confrontation between the prisoners and the military forces for the control of the prison. The prisoners have their own arsenal that arrives in their hands with the collaboration of corrupted military authorities, these same weapons are then used by bosses to keep control of the prison and the inmates and to combat the same military forces.

Ray Martinez, an inmate of PGV, with a shotgun controls an external alley to check not military movement is taking place outside of the prison. Prisoners control all levels of life inside the jail while authorities just are at the outside of doors and wal

Ray Martinez, an inmate of PGV, with a shotgun, controls an external alley to check no military movement is taking place outside of the prison. Prisoners control all levels of life inside the jail while authorities just are at the outside of doors and walls.

Hector together with her mother "La Pucha" sits for a picture on a visit day at Hector's bed on a makeshift room. For relatives of the inmates (mostly mothers and female couples) the process of follow the prison period of the relative is very hard in a co

Hector together with her mother "La Pucha" sits for a picture on a visit day at Hector's bed in a makeshift room. For relatives of the inmates (mostly mothers and female couples), the process of following the prison period of the relative is very hard in a country in a heavy economic crisis and with a very violent prison system.

View of the bible of Luis Marquez aka "Shotman". This bible was given to him when just arriving in the prison first time and was the only object he managed to keep in his long odyssey in 4 different prisons and very extreme life conditions.
View of the bible of Luis Marquez aka "Shotman". This bible was given to him when just arriving in the prison first time and was the only object he managed to keep in his long odyssey in 4 different prisons and very extreme life conditions.
Evangelist prisioners pray at a visit of reverends from Caracas. In Venezuelan prisions evangelists have their own zone and are respected by gangs inside but have to make all the jobs like cleaning, carrying water or building and do not have the right to
Evangelist prisioners pray at a visit of reverends from Caracas. In Venezuelan prisions evangelists have their own zone and are respected by gangs inside but have to make all the jobs like cleaning, carrying water or building and do not have the right to move around the prision after 7pm.
Aka "El Mago" (The Magician) stands in the middle of one of the main prisons alley after doing some magic tricks to a woman visiting her partner in prison. "El Mago" is known for his good tricks but due to a heavy drug addiction now doesn't even has the m
Aka "El Mago" (The Magician) stands in the middle of one of the main prisons alley after doing some magic tricks to a woman visiting her partner in prison. "El Mago" is known for his good tricks but due to a heavy drug addiction now doesn't even has the material for the show. Many debts and impossibility to get health attention are having heavy consequences on his life.
View of the bible of Luis Marquez aka "Shotman". This bible was given to him when just arriving in the prison first time and was the only object he managed to keep in his long odyssey in 4 different prisons and very extreme life conditions.
View of the bible of Luis Marquez aka "Shotman". This bible was given to him when just arriving in the prison first time and was the only object he managed to keep in his long odyssey in 4 different prisons and very extreme life conditions.
Fragment of a testimony by Elio Devoz on how he was punished with a shot in the hands for supposedly having stolen a cigarrette. Punishments by the unwritten criminal code are heavy and include shot in hands and feet, sledgehammering or choping fingers or

Example of text (not a layout) - Fragment of a testimony by Elio Devoz on how he was punished with a shot in the hands for supposedly having stolen a cigarette. Punishments by the unwritten criminal code are heavy and include shots in the hands and feet, sledgehammering or chopping fingers, or being killed by many guns shooting at the same time.

View of an inmate hiphop artist's bed with lyrics folder and the gun he carries inside the prison. He explains that he is living his prisoners life as a gangster with the responsabilities and tasks it implies but that he also keeps his mind on his music
View of an inmate hiphop artist's bed with lyrics folder and the gun he carries inside the prison. He explains that he is living his prisoners life as a gangster with the responsabilities and tasks it implies but that he also keeps his mind on his music as a way to express more than just the gang life.
Ray Martinez, Aka " El Niche" takes half a trip paper of LSD inside the eye at a party in the prison.
Ray Martinez, Aka " El Niche" takes half a trip paper of LSD inside the eye at a party in the prison.
Inmates part of the hip hop group "Free Convict" meet to discuss about the album they want to record. Ray Martinez, "El Niche" (first on the right) is the oldest one of the group and is as well the one with more experience on criminal life and problems wi
Inmates part of the hip hop group "Free Convict" meet to discuss about the album they want to record. Ray Martinez, "El Niche" (first on the right) is the oldest one of the group and is as well the one with more experience on criminal life and problems with justice and even if still inside violence has became the most important culture promotor of the group and talks about what will be the work plan and the compromise everyone must assume.
Ray "El Niche" and Elio "Devoz" work in the studio on some new songs they want to record that same night at the studio the group built inside the prison.
Ray "El Niche" and Elio "Devoz" work in the studio on some new songs they want to record that same night at the studio the group built inside the prison.
A picture of Jean Carlo "Cao" brother of Daniel "EL AS" Ramirez together with a letter for "Cao" who was killed by rival gangs when Daniel was 16 years old and was giving his first steps in the criminal life, the killing of "Cao" took Daniel deeper inside

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A picture of Jean Carlo "Cao" brother of Daniel "EL AS" Ramirez together with a letter for "Cao" who was killed by rival gangs when Daniel was 16 years old and was giving his first steps in criminal life, the killing of "Cao" took Daniel deeper inside violence and he ended up serving 3 times in prison.

View of an electronic music party in the main square of the prison. Prisoners, together with visitors have party until the morning and enjoy different guest and local djs with smoke machines and laser lights show.

View of an electronic music party in the main square of the prison. Prisoners, together with visitors had a party until the morning and enjoyed different guests and local DJs with smoke machines and laser lights show.

Fireworks are seen in the sky at the party for the celebration of the prison boss' birthday.
Fireworks are seen in the sky at the party for the celebration of the prison boss' birthday.
A view of the central area of the prison with some trophies for different sport final matches together with the portraits of the last gang bosses inside the prison, all killed, generally by police forces, after been released from prison.

A view of the central area of the prison with some trophies for different sports final matches together with the portraits of the last gang bosses inside the prison, all killed, generally by police forces, after being released from prison.

From L to R: Ray, Hector and Rollon, Members of Free Convict, a hip hop group formed inside the prison, sit in top of the highest point of the jail and record a music video clip with a drone. This place used to be the bell tower of the prison's church but

From L to R: Ray, Hector, and Rollon, Members of Free Convict, a hip-hop group formed inside the prison, sit at the top of the highest point of the jail and record a music video clip with a drone. This place used to be the bell tower of the prison's church but became the checkpoint for gangs to control the prison and its perimeter, the bullet shots on the walls testify of the many battles between prisoners and authorities.

Digital collage of fragments of internet videos showing scenes of confrontations for the control of the prisons in Venezuela. Corruption, political interests, negligence and completely negationist approach of the government to the issue turned it into a h

Digital collage of fragments of internet videos showing scenes of confrontations for the control of the prisons in Venezuela. Corruption, political interests, negligence, and a complete negationist approach of the government to the issue turned it into hell with constant massacres, executions, lack of work and educational programs, heavy drug consumption and distribution, and an increasing control of criminal networks all over the country from the prisons.

In Vargas State, on Venezuelan Caribbean Coast, Ray Martinez, member and leader of Free Convict takes some moment alone at a volunteering day for the town where doctors, nurses and NGOs bring medical assistance, medicines and recreational activities to c
In Vargas State, on Venezuelan Caribbean Coast, Ray Martinez, member and leader of Free Convict takes some moment alone at a volunteering day for the town where doctors, nurses and NGOs bring medical assistance, medicines and recreational activities to communities at high risk amongst the deep Venezuelan socio-economic crisis.
Luis "Shotman" put his hand tattooed with the Free Convict logo on the belly of his pregnant girlfriend Adriana the day after that "Shotman" has been released from prison. On the last month of pregnancy the baby died inside Adriana's body and for 3 days t
Luis "Shotman" put his hand tattooed with the Free Convict logo on the belly of his pregnant girlfriend Adriana the day after that "Shotman" has been released from prison. On the last month of pregnancy the baby died inside Adriana's body and for 3 days they hang in public hospitals without been admitted or recieving any medical care, finally at a hospital the body was extracted with Adriana at the border of a total infection.
A picture of Elio Devoz as young child is seen ripped off. Elio, who never met his biological father, says his mother teared the picture off to take away the part where appeared Elio's step father.
A picture of Elio Devoz as young child is seen ripped off. Elio, who never met his biological father, says his mother teared the picture off to take away the part where appeared Elio's step father.
Members of Free Convict together with Otro Enfoque, a NGO working for social inclusion are seen late at night visiting a group of kids from 6 to 19 years old living in the streets of Caracas under a bridge on the side of a river recieving the sewers of th

Members of Free Convict together with Otro Enfoque, an NGO working for social inclusion are seen late at night visiting a group of kids from 6 to 19 years old living in the streets of Caracas under a bridge on the side of a river receiving the sewers of the whole city. Free Convict continuously collaborates on different initiatives of reinsertion and inclusion bringing through their experiences in crime life and prison a message of prevention and change.

Daniel Ramirez aka "El As" is seen together with his mother and a teacher after recieving a diploma for his 6th grade. On the side the prison file of Daniel's first of 3 sentences.
Daniel Ramirez aka "El As" is seen together with his mother and a teacher after recieving a diploma for his 6th grade. On the side the prison file of Daniel's first of 3 sentences.
Daniel aka "The Ace" stands for a picture together with a group of young boys and girls between 6 and 18 years old living in the streets and under a bridge in Caracas west side. Daniel and Free Convict have been working with the group bringing them activi
Daniel aka "The Ace" stands for a picture together with a group of young boys and girls between 6 and 18 years old living in the streets and under a bridge in Caracas west side. Daniel and Free Convict have been working with the group bringing them activities to prevent violence and to promote conflict resolutions. For Free Convict is the opportunity to actively participate in education and inclusion, an opportunity they said they never had.
(Top) A picture of Daniel Ramirez "El As" as a young child, Daniel says he never imagined he would end up in so many problems of drugs, violence and incarceration but at 14 years old was already following the crime life with 4 different periods incarcerat
(Top) A picture of Daniel Ramirez "El As" as a young child, Daniel says he never imagined he would end up in so many problems of drugs, violence and incarceration but at 14 years old was already following the crime life with 4 different periods incarcerated since 16 years old after his brother got killed. (B) A drawing from Elio Devoz about how he sees his current situation as a former prisoner amidst the very complicated crisis in Venezuela. Hyper inflation, violence, the many extra judiciary executions are some of his main problems.
Ray Martinez is seen at the burial of the 3 months old baby of Javier (with the stripes shirt), one of the young boys living in the streets. Ray and Free Convict have been very active with this group of kids, young boys and girls living in the street and
Ray Martinez is seen at the burial of the 3 months old baby of Javier (with the stripes shirt), one of the young boys living in the streets. Ray and Free Convict have been very active with this group of kids, young boys and girls living in the street and have organized several visits and sessions to prevent criminal activities and violence and work on reinsertion together with other independent organizations.
Daniel "El As" Ramirez, 27 years old, is seen at his room in his sister apartment. During confinement due to Corona Virus pandemic Daniel has learnt how to use many different phone apps to record, mix, post produce and release his own songs all in a basic

Daniel "El As" Ramirez, 27 years old, is seen in his room in his sister's apartment. During confinement due to Corona Virus pandemic, Daniel has learned how to use many different phone apps to record, mix, post-produce, and release his own songs all on a basic smartphone. Daniel has been in prison since 15 years old in 3 different periods for a total of 10 years almost.

Francisco aka "Dos K" gives a video to "El As". Dos K has to migrate to Colombia due to some legal problems he had on the border between Colombia and Venezuela for some small amount of Marihuana possesion that was increased by police to then extort him.

Francisco aka "Dos K" has a video call with Daniel "El As". Dos K had to migrate to Colombia due to some legal problems he had on the border between Colombia and Venezuela for some small amount of Marihuana possession that was increased by police to then extort him.

A Xray check of Daniel Ramirez is seen on the left with his lungs deeply affected by the Tuberculosis he got in jail. On the right Ray Martinez is seen at his house before leaving to work a bicycle delivery. The recent pandemic situation has found Free Co
A Xray check of Daniel Ramirez is seen on the left with his lungs deeply affected by the Tuberculosis he got in jail. On the right Ray Martinez is seen at his house before leaving to work a bicycle delivery. The recent pandemic situation has found Free Convict members very vulnerable with little resources to protect themselves and with a history of pulmonar diseases for many of them.
On the front, inmates wearing facemasks inside a prison in hands of the government are controlled for temperature amidst the world COVID-19 pandemic. On the background, in the same period, the bodies of many prisoners killed by security forces lay on the
On the front, inmates wearing facemasks inside a prison in hands of the government are controlled for temperature amidst the world COVID-19 pandemic. On the background, in the same period, the bodies of many prisoners killed by security forces lay on the ground after a riot erupted inside the prison and confusing situation started. Government says they wanted to escape, relatives and prisoners say the riot started when protesting for food.
Ray Martinez is seen together with his partner at their house. After serving more than 10 years in prison in different periods, Ray today focuses on Free Convict but also produces his solo music, study to finish high school and participate in social initi
Ray Martinez is seen together with his partner at their house. After serving more than 10 years in prison in different periods, Ray today focuses on Free Convict but also produces his solo music, study to finish high school and participate in social initiatives for conflict and violence prevention.
Daniel "El As' sings at a Free Convict concert, the group has been growing and touches a sector of the public looking for messages of improvement and change as the country is exahusted by years of violence.
Daniel "El As' sings at a Free Convict concert, the group has been growing and touches a sector of the public looking for messages of improvement and change as the country is exahusted by years of violence.
Elio Devoz and Rosy, his sentimental partner, are seen kissing at Elio's birthday. Soon after they got the news of her pregnancy.

Elio Devoz and Rosy, his sentimental partner, are seen kissing on Elio's birthday. Soon after they got the news of her pregnancy.

A screen capture of a WhatsApp conversation where a police officer friend of Free Convict members advises them to stay at home and low profile as the order to the police forces is to kill any suspect with previous criminal records. "They want no prisoners, only kill is the order," he says.

Hector Villavicencio (Center) is portrayed at the first moment we see him again after an incident in which the police executed his cousin Jhoiberg and almost killed Hector while sleeping at a friend's house. On the sides pictures of Junior (Right) and Hum
Hector Villavicencio (Center) is portrayed at the first moment we see him again after an incident in which the police executed his cousin Jhoiberg and almost killed Hector while sleeping at a friend's house. On the sides pictures of Junior (Right) and Humberto (Left) Hector's younger and older brothers both violently killed in previous years. For Hector the final goal is to break the chain that has kept his family in tragedy with several relatives killed and in criminal life.

Example of text (not a layout)   - Fragment of testimony by Hector Villavicencio on his experience of almost been executed in a extrajudiciary procedure in which his cousin was killed.

A screen capture of a Whatsapp conversation with Hector Villavicencio where he express his will to go to a psychologist therapy as his head is in a very difficult moment after the killing of his cousin in front of him, and a bad personal story of 2 siblings and another cousin killed before.

At a psychological group therapy members of Free Convict together with collaborators of the initiative make a collective exercise for perdon and better interpersonal relations with other person close to the group and therapists interested in supporting th
At a psychological group therapy members of Free Convict together with collaborators of the initiative make a collective exercise for perdon and better interpersonal relations with other person close to the group and therapists interested in supporting their process for reinsertion
Hector Villavicencio stands for a portrait while he and other members of Free Convict take a day of work cleaning and painting a disco club. Crisis in Venezuela make steady jobs scarce and very badly paid with minimum wage being at less than 5 USD per mon

Hector Villavicencio stands for a portrait while he and other members of Free Convict take a day of work cleaning and painting a disco club. The crisis in Venezuela makes steady jobs scarce and very badly paid with minimum wage being at less than 5 USD per month.

An identity picture of young Hector Villavicencio is seen together with the backside of the picture where the grandmom bless him and ask for protection for Hector.

An identity picture of young Hector Villavicencio is seen together with the backside of the picture where the grandmom blesses him and asks for protection for Hector.

Before an important show in Caracas Free Convict members make a collective hand shake and say their manifesto of giving the best of themselves to keep contributing with music and culture to an improvement in the situation in Venezuela and give a message o

Before an important show in Caracas Free Convict members make a collective handshake and say their manifesto of giving the best of themselves to keep contributing with music and culture to an improvement in the situation in Venezuela and give a message of peaceful change and improvement.

Vista de un selfie de Luis Manuel Marquez y su familia en la pantalla de una pequeña computadora en su casa de un barrio popular de la periferia de Caracas. Luis Manuel aka "Shotman" es miembro FREE CONVICT, un grupo musical y colectivo de Hip Hop formado
Vista de un selfie de Luis Manuel Marquez y su familia en la pantalla de una pequeña computadora en su casa de un barrio popular de la periferia de Caracas. Luis Manuel aka "Shotman" es miembro FREE CONVICT, un grupo musical y colectivo de Hip Hop formado en prisión y dedicado a la reinserción y prevención de la violencia. Durante años "Shotman" ha estado atrapado en el círculo de las drogas, la violencia y la cárcel pero hoy está con su pareja y limpio de consumo de drogas.
Luis Marquez aka "Shotman" is seen together with Haily, his 7 months old baby, at the area he now lives in the periphery of Caracas together with his sentimental partner Adriana. After losing another baby that died in mother's womb, "Shotman" went back to

Luis Marquez aka "Shotman" is seen together with Haily, his 7-month-old baby, at the area he now lives in the periphery of Caracas together with his sentimental partner Adriana. After losing another baby that died in their mother's womb, "Shotman" went back to heavy drug consumption and was even sleeping in the street but he went on a period of rehabilitation and is now back with Free Convict and working on his family stability.

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