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For the Global Thinker

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Sicarios: Latin American Assassins

A hooded sicario threatens Javier for a few seconds in zone 14 of Guatemala City.

Some of the best documentary photography I've seen in awhile, and after living in Chihuahua, North Mexico, I can definitely appreciate how difficult and dangerous it would have been to get these photographs.  His other essays are also truly exceptional...graphic, yet honest-the way documentary photography is supposed to be.  

One of the most popular and respected professions in Latin America is that of the sicarios: the hit man or assassin. Prices are variable for killing someone and can range from as little as $20 up to tens of thousands. In Guatemala, Salvador and Mexico many young people, including minors, are seduced by the lure of easy money and the respect and fear that comes with the job.

See photo essay here:
http://fotoevidence.com/BookAward-Detail/187

See more of "Sicarios" and Javier Arcenillas' other amazing photo essays here...
http://www.javierarcenillas.com/essays/essays.html

and here...
http://www.javierarcenillas.com/essays/traficofganja.html

1 comment:

David Stuart said...

It's a powerful book, dark and disturbing. Well worth a look.

http://www.fotoevidence.com/sicarios-latin-american-assassins