Rouzan R Seropian

The spaces that surround us tell our stories , while what surrounds us tell how developed or underdeveloped we are. As much as humanity evolves, the space evolves by time too. Moreover, a culture shapes in its own way, borrowing from the past, developing a distinctive style, then passing onto a new age. The state of art and architecture in any culture is a measurement of its achievements and accomplishments. Modern urbanization in Kuwait has passed through significant stages. During each stage of Kuwait’s development, a master plan was produced which contributed to the development of a modern Kuwait. Kuwait attempts to modernize by adopting international global architectural images for the design of medium and large-scale projects, but at the same time keeping its unique character in architecture.

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From the late 1940s up until the mid 1980s, and specifically after gaining its independence in 1961, Kuwait underwent a major transformation which is pivotal in paving space for a new landscape that represents the freshly founded state. The expression of architectural elements were manifested through Islamic and postmodern architecture, using raw materials such as brute façade, (Brutalism), generating a strong visual composition, moreover geometric patterns became a presentational way to achieve an image associated with Islamic architecture. As the urban form, together with the creation of the new units, catalysed the attention of major international designers – and since then important examples of late modern architecture was developed, clearly identifying with glass-and-steel skyscrapers with more rounded and flowing geometric shapes within the movements. The architectural phase has evolved in Kuwait, adapting a new window of international style. The images in the series, “The Passage”, each of the architectural images is the presentation of a quite unique interpretation of a symbolic form found within the country as heritage and tradition. My images are focused on the aesthetic and intellectual side, putting together a piece of the building that surrounds me in a beautiful and harmonious way. Architectural photography is the perfect marriage for me where I combine my interior design skills with my artistic side. A celebration of lines, curves and patterns attract my viewfinder, where I share with the viewer the transformation of the new international vision found within the architecture in Kuwait.

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