Histoires Urbaines: A Captivating Photography Series by Djinane AlSuwayeh

Capturing the Essence of Cultural Diversity

AlSuwayeh's upbringing in a multicultural household served as the inspiration for Histoires Urbaines. Growing up in a fusion of French and Kuwaiti cultures, she experienced the richness of diversity firsthand. This series is a reflection of her trilingual education and the amalgamation of various influences that shaped her artistic journey.

What sets Histoires Urbaines apart is its unique approach to storytelling. AlSuwayeh combines her background in fine arts with her passion for photography to create a series of silhouetted portraits. Each image is a juxtaposition of two cities that have played a significant role in her life: Paris, a hub of creativity and experimentation, and Kuwait, a developing nation with a nascent fine arts sector.

The realization of this project involved meticulous attention to detail. AlSuwayeh photographed the rooftops and subjects separately using a Canon 5D camera. She then employed her expertise in Photoshop to create a final image, using her Intuos Pro tablet for precision. The result is a collection of visually striking photographs that seamlessly blend two distinct worlds.

The technical specifications of Histoires Urbaines showcase the grandeur of the series. Each image measures 800cm in width, 20mm in depth, and 800cm in height. The consistency of the series was a challenge, as the photographs were not captured on the same day. Additionally, capturing the perfect angle of view for each rooftop required meticulous planning and execution.

Histoires Urbaines is not just a visual feast; it is a testament to the power of diversity. AlSuwayeh's portraits capture the peaceful coexistence of cultures within a single person. Through her lens, she showcases the beauty that arises when different cultures converge, creating a harmonious blend of identities.

This project was brought to life in 2014 in Paris, France. AlSuwayeh's research on the impact of diversity on creative abilities laid the foundation for this series. By embracing her own multicultural background, she highlights the importance of diversity in shaping artistic expression.

Histoires Urbaines has garnered recognition and acclaim in the design community. In 2015, it was awarded the prestigious Silver A' Design Award in Photography and Photo Manipulation. This accolade acknowledges the series' outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill. Each photograph in Histoires Urbaines evokes a sense of wonder and amazement, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Through Histoires Urbaines, Djinane AlSuwayeh invites us to embrace diversity and celebrate the beauty that arises when cultures intertwine. Her captivating portraits serve as a reminder of the power of art to transcend boundaries and create connections.