Life in the Largest Vertical Slum in the World
Photos by Iwan Baan
For almost 20 years in the center of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, stands an unfinished 45-story skyscraper, known as the Tower of David (Torre de David). Unfortunately, the building was plagued with misfortune since early construction. First the developer died, then with the nation's failed economy and banking system, the building construction has gone unfinished ever since. What was supposed to be the third-highest skyscraper in Venezuela is now the largest vertical slum in the world.
Over the past 8 years, people have begun inhabiting the unfinished building, and is currently holding about 750 families, establishing it's own self-contained community. Besides the many apartments in the tower, it also has shops, grocery stores and other services on each floor, even a church and a common gym on the roof. However, plagued with poverty and government neglect, many hazards have fatally injured residents, plumbing and electrical services are poor, and running water only reaches the fifth floor, leaving most of the lower levels smelling like sewage. Aside from all of this, the building is also known as a base of operations for Criminal gangs. The building's general manager, Elvin Marchan, has even admitted, "if someone caused problems, pushing them off a higher story or shooting them would have been the way of dealing with it." There is no question that this is one of the largest slums in the world and an example of the kind of life that most people here in Caracas, a city reported to have the highest per capita murder rate in the world.
Photographer and urban documentarian Iwan Baan, was able to capture captivating images of life inside the unfinished tower, as he continues to travel the world capturing the relation of people to the architecture and structures they inhabit. Besides his pictures of the Tower of David below, he participated in a TED Talks conference where he shares more of his findings.
[Via Policy Mic]
Former Miss Venezuela in Photographic Campaign for Human Rights
Photos by Daniel Bracci
In reaction to high inflation, shortages of basic goods and a fragile economy in Venezuela, clashes continue to ensue between the socialist president’s forces and opposition protesters, and it's been going on for weeks. In sight of the ongoing struggle, fashion photographer Daniel Bracci started a photographic political campaign called Your Voice is Your Power. This is set out to shed light on the overwhelming oppression experienced by media outlets, while highlighting the human rights violations also taking place throughout their home country.
In this campaign, Bracci uses former Miss Venezuelan and Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, along with so many other locals of all sorts, and poses them gagged, hand cuffed, dirty, and with bloody tears running down their face. What's most notable and different in Stefania's photos is her shiny crown still intact and sitting pretty on her head, perhaps making one of the biggest statements of her life.
The photography for this campaign is powerful and so captivating. Check out the following photos and be sure follow Daniel Bracci's Instagram and find so much more on the campaign's facebook album.
[Via People in Español]
Protests Intensify in Venezuela
Photos by Rodrigo Abd/AP/Corbis
In recent days, nationwide protests have intensified in Venezuela leaving fatalities and many injured. While demands of demonstrators vary from economic to social, much of this news is kept from international popular media. As much of the world stands curious on what's going on, Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Rodrigo Abd managed to cover gripping scenes as steady controversy ensues.
Here's quick summary of what's happening in Venezuela: While rampant crime, shortages in consumer goods, and threatened freedom of speech has increased, the current government opposition is protesting the Tuesday detainment of their leader Leopoldo Lopez, who was targeted for conspiracy in organizing most of these protests. While federal officials point the blame on the United States for supposedly plotting to destabilize the government, many blame Venezuela's government, led by President Nicolas Maduro, for these social and economic problems.
Although Venezuela has had various protests by those either supporting and opposing government leadership in the past decade, violence has reached it's peak in the last few days. Check out the following images captured by Rodrigo Abd, who seems to be right in the mix of all the feud, and be sure stay informed as opposition increases. Also, be sure to check out more of his work here.
[Via The Washington Post, The Guardian]
Venezuela's Most Dangerous Prison
When you translate Vista Hermosa to English, it means beautiful view. It's funny that the name was given to one of Venezuela's most dangerous prisons where the inmates control the inside and have created their own society. These prisoners took control using force where one man is controlling the mayhem: Wilmer Brizuela AKA Pran. The only thing that keeps these prisoners confined within the prison walls is the Venezuelan National Guard patrolling the outside walls. Many of the inmates have some of the same amenities people have on the outside, ranging from guns and drugs to even iPhones. Some have even started their own businesses while inside, such as catering to other inmates, their families, and their friends who come to party. However, even with all of these perks and privileges, this is by no means a paradise. Check out the full article by Jorge Benezra here. Photography by: Sebastian Liste [via Time]
