MR Bellakoud

sociaal-maatschappelijk , internationaal , fotografie , Educatie , Documentair , Diversiteit , Diaspora , Community

Born in Tunisia, I moved to the Netherlands in 2013, a journey shaped by love, migration, and the search for belonging. What began as a personal transition became a deeper confrontation with identity: learning new systems, adapting to new rhythms, and navigating the in-between space of being from somewhere else while building a life here. In Rotterdam’s vibrant, multicultural landscape, I found a second home and the language for my work.

Photography became my way of understanding and reclaiming identity. Rooted in documentary practice, my work goes beyond observation. It is a commitment to amplifying unheard voices, challenging stereotypes, and honoring everyday life as living heritage. I focus on stories shaped by migration, memory, and cultural continuity _ stories that are often overlooked, yet deeply human.

Through my projects, I create inclusive spaces where communities are seen on their own terms. My work celebrates culture not as something static, but as something carried, transformed, and shared. For me, photography is not just a profession; it is a calling, to empower communities, to cherish where we come from, and to imagine where we can go together.

Terra de Esperanca - An unforgettable expedition to Cape Verde" During this journey, photographer Houcem Bellakoud and Rotterdam-Cape Verdean word artist Kenny Gomez explored two enchanting islands: São Vicente and Santo Antão. In preparation for Kenny's impressive theater production "Unchained", which focuses on Cape Verdean superheroes, Houcem curated a poignant documentary exhibition. With my lens as a guide, I aim to provide not only people, but especially the emerging generation of Cape Verdeans, with a profound insight into their roots and the authentic island life. My photos are unpolished and raw, in the hope of bridging towards a deeper understanding and a strengthened connection with the rich culture and everyday existence of the Cape Verdean community. We hope that these images will leave a lasting impression and contribute to the preservation of heritage and identity.
Mozaic
Mozaic - Tunisia, my homeland, is a mosaic of scents, flavors, light, and stories. From jasmine in the night air to the taste of harissa at a shared table, every detail carries history and pride. Shaped by more than three thousand years and many civilizations—Phoenicians, Carthage, Romans, Berbers, Arabs, Ottomans, French, Tunisia became a unique cultural crossroads between Africa and Europe. This exhibition is an ode to that Tunisia: its people, its rhythm, its traditions, and its dreams. It is a celebration of identity, pride, and belonging—my piece of home, shared with you.

Echoes of us

Datum:
Locatie: AHOY
In samenwerking met: DHB ART Space

Echoes of Us is an interactive sound artwork with photography by Houcem Bellakoud and media artist Pedro Gil Farias. Presented in 2025 at Art Rotterdam in the DHB Art Space, and supported by Unity in Diversity and DHB Bank, the work weaves together dreams of residents and artists from Rotterdam South into a collective vision for the future of Zuidplein and Rotterdam Ahoy.

https://www.dhbbank.nl/nieuws-inzichten/art-rotterdam-dhb-art-space

The inner circle in samenwerking met O.festival

Datum:
Locatie: de koepels rotterdam zuid
In samenwerking met: o.festival

The inner circle is. visual and aural exhibition that brings to life the stories of individuals once labeled as ' refugees' in the Netherlands. Forget the image painted by the media: this performance delves into the real story through the eyes of four unique individuals from afghanistan, st.maarten, ukraine and tunisia.

https://o-festival.nl/en/voorstelling/the-inner-circle/#:~:text=The%20Inner%20Circle%20is%20a,unique%20individuals%20from%20Afghanistan%2C%20St.

Terra de esperqanca

Datum:
Locatie: Boijmans op zuid
In samenwerking met: Boijmans opzuid \ Kenny Gomes \. Art week Rotterdam 2024

Po Di terra

Datum:
Locatie: Maritiem museum Rotterdam
In samenwerking met: Cult.north X Maritiem Museum Rotterdam

Unity in diversity foto expositie

Datum:
Locatie: Rotterdam art week 2023
In samenwerking met: UidRotterdam

Voor dit project heeft fotograaf Houcem Bellakoud portretten en artistieke fotoseries vastgelegd van diverse individuen uit de 175 verschillende nationaliteiten die in Rotterdam wonen. Elk individu vertelt zijn unieke verhaal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okEUeu_DBlY&t=8s
Deze kunstenaar heeft nog geen toekenningen.