La trilogie du Bonheur / Revanche 93

Marvin Bonheur’s first book brings together 10 years of photographs taken in the Seine-Saint-Denis department, near Paris, where he grew up.
His gaze, sometimes tender, nostalgic or critical, bears witness to his experience in this singular territory.

Marvin Bonheur, born in August 1991, grew up in what is often described as a “no go zone”, where hope is rare and the atmosphere heavy. With his friends, he hung out and played, but very early on felt the negative waves linked to his identity and origins. As a child, he was revolted by the idea that the dream was not for a local kid, whose sole aim was to keep his feet on the pavement.

His series is divided into three parts, and the book is structured accordingly.
“Alzheimer”, the first, delves into his memories, capturing highlights of his childhood and adolescence right up to his departure at the age of 21. The photographs are taken as snapshots of his memory, seeking to preserve and document the past.

The second chapter, “Therapie”, explores the daily reality of today’s youth, denouncing injustices and demystifying the stereotypes of a culture often rejected by society. Marvin Bonheur gets up close to individuals, creates portraits and becomes aware of his attachment to “the forgotten”.

“Renaissance”, the final chapter, concludes the photographer’s quest for identity, moving between the place that shaped him and the new perspectives he is exploring.
These photographs were taken when the photographer was beginning to work for sportswear brands, making his photography more aesthetic and assumed. Marvin feels legitimate as a suburban artist, asserting his ability to represent this subject that is an integral part of his identity.