A book about pain and transformation.

To see enlarged views of the book and its text and images, use gallery at page bottom.

Erik Castro is a photojournalist based in Santa Rosa. In 2011 he made a short film based on photographs and interviews with two young men, Cris and Irwin, whom Erik met at a clinic where they were undergoing tattoo removals in order to erase their gang affiliations. That same year he made a unique artists book of the photos using duct tape and other materials he had in his garage. Last year he decided to work with Mob of Two, refining the book into an edition of 25 copies that reflects the spirit and intent of the original. 

The decision to step away from gang life is fraught with shame and danger. Of all the people at the tattoo removal clinic, these were the only two men willing to let Erik document this change in their lives. It is a rare glimpse of a moment of great vulnerability, strength and sacrifice. 

The book’s text consists of Cris’ and Irwin’s own words reflecting on the motivations behind getting the tattoos as well as the decision to remove them. 

24 duct tape pages, photos printed on adhesive labels, gaffers tape spine, letterpress title, text is handwritten in silver paint pen.

8”x 11” x .5”   Edition of 25 copies. $875 each.