Riley and his story. Me and my outrage. You and us. is the end result of a three-way collaboration between Monica Haller (visual artist), Riley Sharbonno (Iraq war veteran), and myself (graphic designer). Reconstructing Riley’s experiences at Abu Ghraib prison, where he served as an Army nurse from 2004–2005, the book is primarily a visual experience composed of hundreds of digital snapshots captured during Riley’s time in Iraq — many of which he has no memory of taking. These images are punctuated by two different texts culled from conversations between Sharbonno and Haller — one ongoing and narrative, the other infrequent and pensive. A third text, written by the artist, takes over the cover — the experience then immediately begins on page one. The usual conventions of a book are used sparingly — even though there are 16 distinct sections there are no chapter divisions; page numbers only appear with the main narrative; a title page and table of contents — referencing key passages — appears only at the very end of the book. The design is decidedly minimal, presenting the images and text without obstruction. The most dramatic design moment occurs in the central section of the book — an extended mass casualty sequence — wherein the pages are cropped short along the top and side, allowing images to bleed into and intersect with one another. The images, text, and design coalesce — relaying the trauma of war and its effect on memory.
6.375" x 9", 480 pages
glue bound, hardcover with 2 color stamping, 4/4 interior
Collaboration with visual artist Monica Haller
and Iraq war veteran Riley Sharbonno
978-2915359381
Activism, Art, Memory, Military, Trauma