SWANA Chronicles

Leila Bakouche

Leila Bakouche, born in Algiers in 1992, is a multidisciplinary artist with a deep passion for cities, architecture, and the intricate details that define spaces and identities. Growing up near the Mediterranean, she was influenced by the Ottoman and Haussmannian architectural styles. Her love for cities was cultivated throughout her life, leading her to specialize in urban development.

Leila’s journey into digital media arts began during her university years, where she developed a keen interest in graphic and photographic practices. She believes in the power of storytelling to create a connection between the artist and the audience, fostering emotions and understanding. Leila holds a degree in Environmental Planning and Protection, a master’s in Business and Organizational Management with a specialization in Marketing, and a BTS in Computer Graphics and DTP Modeler.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in cultural mediation and visual studies at Jean Jaurès University in Toulouse, Leila has become an influential figure in the Algerian artistic scene. She has conducted photography and literary writing workshops, sharing her enthusiasm for the art of photography with students at the Centre Culturel Universitaire in Algiers.

Leila’s international recognition includes participating in the “SEEDJERBA 2019” international Media Art Biennale, where she exhibited a “video mapping” project featuring photographic portraits of local youth in Djerba, Tunisia. She also presented a project inspired by the work of Mexican writer Octavio Paz, titled “Une Solitude Bleue,” with support from the CCU and the Mexican embassy in Algeria.

In 2021, Leila contributed to the “Regards Croisés Bou Saada 2021” project, producing a photographic series on the city of Bou Saada and collaborating on a photo-book with other Algerian photographic artists. She also presented her series “In My Bubble” at Château d’Eau and received a Special “Encouragement” Award at the ManifestO Festival in Toulouse.

In September 2023, Leila showcased her work at the “Des espaces autres #3” exhibition at the Mirail Centre for Artistic Initiatives.. The exhibition highlighted her artistic exploration of the connection between the university and the Mirail district, providing a unique perspective on intercultural aspects through analog photography.

Leila’s commitment to her art extends to her latest project, supported by an action culture grant from CROUS de Toulouse in December 2022. This project involves capturing portraits of students from different nationalities, emphasizing diversity through silver photography at the Saint Cyprien photo lab.

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