Image walls refer to walls adorned with numerous images, often found in museums, art galleries, and private collections. They typically delineate the characteristics and styles of the spaces they inhabit. This project explores the symbolic expressions and embedded meanings of these
image walls. Situated at the intersection of photography, cinema, and visual sociology, we conduct a comparative and interdisciplinary study of transcultural
image walls in two vibrant French neighborhoods: Château Rouge-Goutte d’Or in Paris and Wazemmes in Lille. These areas, deeply rooted in Afro and Maghrebi French legacies, reveal
image walls that can transcend mere decoration, functioning instead as data sources that unveil evolving identities shaped by the migration of images and affective practices. These
image walls act as powerful channels for affirming and expressing identity. Like seeds scattered by the wind, the photos, stickers, and drawings that make up these walls move through space and time, gradually becoming part of the urban landscape. In doing so, they embed diverse histories within the changing fabric of multiculturalism and identity.
Through a combination of photography and on-site conversations, we explore how, by whom, and for what purposes these image walls contribute to the formation of transcultural identities. Our objective is to examine how these walls serve not only as aesthetic backdrops but also as visual signifiers that assist individuals in navigating these liminal spaces. By documenting, remixing, and conducting "wall elicitations" of the urban present, we analyze how image walls foster expressions of collective iconographic belonging and how they forge visual narratives that reshape the social landscape of cities. Ultimately, these walls highlight the cultural capital and resilience of postcolonial and diasporic communities, fostering broader perspectives and a deeper appreciation of the diverse visual cultures within contemporary French society.
