Through raw drawings, fragments of thought, and silent protest, this book offers a rare, unfiltered look into life under a repressive regime.

Created as part of Project 361.1, it documents what official histories often erase — from the people who lived it.

Firsthand From
a Prison Cell

Our creation
process

From cell walls to printed pages.

01

A drawing arrives

Smuggled from prison, passed hand-to-hand, or sent after release — each drawing and story came directly from a political prisoner. Some were full-page illustrations. Others were fragments, symbols, or quick sketches. Each one was a message.
02

We shaped it into a book

Our team carefully adapted each contribution — preserving the original style while crafting a visual narrative around it. The layout, composition, and flow were designed to respect the rawness and urgency of each piece.
03

We reached back

Whenever possible, we consulted with the authors — asking for more context, insights, or permission to include additional materials. In some cases, this meant waiting weeks for a reply from a secure contact.
04

The book takes form

After years of collecting, designing, and cross-checking, the book was printed. What began as private resistance inside prison cells is now something you can hold — a document of memory, art, and truth.