Vladimir Karamazov's Photobook Captures Life in Bulgaria's Belene Prison
Vladimir Karamazov, a photographer, dedicated a year to documenting Belene Prison, Bulgaria's most infamous correctional facility, for his debut photobook titled "For the Grace of God," set to be released by GOST Books in August 2026. Situated on an island in northern Bulgaria close to the Romanian border, Belene stands as the nation's most secure prison, accommodating the highest number of inmates serving life sentences for murder. From October 2023 to November 2024, Karamazov, the first photographer to gain entry, took portraits of not only murderers but also pickpockets, gamblers, and thieves. The book will include drawings, letters, poems, and testimonies from inmates, aiming to shed light on the realities of incarceration and society's role in crime stemming from childhood.
Key facts
- Vladimir Karamazov spent a year documenting Belene Prison for his first photobook.
- Belene Prison is Bulgaria's most notorious and heavily guarded prison.
- The prison is located on an island in northern Bulgaria on the border with Romania.
- Karamazov is the first photographer granted access to Belene Prison.
- The photographs were taken between October 2023 and November 2024.
- The book includes portraits of life-sentenced murderers, pickpockets, gamblers, and thieves.
- The book also contains drawings, letters, poems, and testimonies from prisoners.
- "For the Grace of God" will be published by GOST Books in August 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Vladimir Karamazov
Institutions
- GOST Books
- Belene Prison
Locations
- Belene Prison
- Bulgaria
- Romania