The origins of this book lie in David Goldblatt's observation that many of his fellow South Africans, regardless of race or class, are the victims of crime. For this project, begun in 2008, Goldblatt photographed criminal offenders and alleged offenders at the place that was probably life-changing for them and their victims: the scene of the crime or arrest. Each portrait is accompanied by the subject's written story in his or her own words--for many, a cathartic experience and the first opportunity to recount events without being judged. Goldblatt paid each of his subjects 800 rand for permission to photograph and interview them, and any profit from the project will be donated to the rehabilitation of offenders. Ex Offenders also features Goldblatt's portraits and interviews of black subjects in West Bromwich, England, made in collaboration with the community arts project Multistory.
