MOTHERLAND by Michael José

In May 1991, I was born in the hills of Colombia, Santa Marta, Garzón. With coffee and plantain trees as far as the eye can see, from the banks of the Magdalena river to the very top of the green hills. It is a breathtaking place to exist within and experience; those unfamiliar with these heights of beauty might even call it magical. Despite being born here, I’m not used to it, so it took my breath away when I was standing at the edge overlooking the immense nature of the area for the first time in my life, in January 2024.
Does that sound strange to you? Didn’t I just tell you I was born in Santa Marta, among these hills? Yes, I did, but a few short hours after my birth, I was taken away from my mother and abandoned on the side of the road, where I was eventually rescued.
— Michael José

MOTHERLAND is the first publication by photographer Michael José, about his journey back home to Colombia in 2024 in search of himself, his culture and his mother. It’s a personal and intimate story following his travels through his eyes, lens and with outtakes from his diary notes.

Author Michael José
Text editing Milly Burroughs
Graphics Franziska Brandt & Moritz Grünke
Book concept Franziska Brandt, Moritz Grünke & Michael José
Photo editing Moritz Grünke

112 pages, 20×27.5cm
5-color Risography printing
open-spine perfect binding with offset cover
First edition of 200 copies
Published by SANTA MARTA & we make it