Marvin Bonheur - La trilogie du Bonheur

La trilogie du Bonheur is the first by artist Marvin Bonheur and brings together ten years of photographs taken in the Seine-Saint-Denis department, where he grew up.
His perspective—sometimes tender, nostalgic, or critical—bears witness to his experience in this unique territory.

Marvin Bonheur, born in August 1991, grew up in areas often labeled as "no-go zones," where hope is scarce and the atmosphere heavy. With his friends, he would hang out and play, but from an early age, he felt the negative energy tied to his identity and origins. As a child, he was outraged by the idea that dreaming was not meant for a kid from the projects, whose only expected path was to keep his feet on the pavement.

His series is divided into three parts, and the book is structured accordingly.

The first, Alzheimer, delves into his memories, capturing key moments from his childhood and teenage years until he left at the age of 21. The photographs serve as snapshots of his memory, striving to preserve and document the past.

The second chapter, Therapy, explores the daily realities of today’s youth, denouncing injustices and dismantling stereotypes about a culture often rejected by society. Marvin Bonheur gets close to individuals, creating portraits and becoming increasingly aware of his connection to "the forgotten ones."

The final chapter, Renaissance, concludes the photographer's search for identity, navigating between the place that shaped him and the new perspectives he is exploring. These photographs were taken as he began working with sportswear brands, making his photography more polished and self-assured. Marvin now feels legitimate as a suburban artist, affirming his ability to represent a subject that is an integral part of his identity.