Tomorrow's Past

Kuwait - 2012

In the up rise of every Nation, not only people tend to change their looks but also buildings get renovated or new ones appear reflecting the new face of the city. Development in all sectors is necessary, especially architecture because it tracks how any country is moving forward; but when this process is done at the expense of historical figures, demolish it & erase an entire generation lifestyle just to look 'modern' will create an identity problem of the country and its' people on the long term. 

‘Tomorrow’s Past’ is a series shows tha Artist point of view to the present through a visiual language of the past. Creating serene scenes with hand-colored Black and white photographs, Mohammed AlKouh drove around Kuwait to picture with his film camera landmark architectures built at the 50s, 60s and the 1970s which is referred to be 'Kuwait's Golden era. These landmarks were once upon a time a hub or a distinguish place reflect the up rise of Kuwait after its' Independence in 1961; Fahad Al-Salem St., Al Ahmedi Drive-In Cinema, Al-Sawaber Complex just to name a few, their establishment and existing were an essential part of peoples' memory & history. Unfortunately, some of the buildings were demolished while others neglected or on its way to be gone as if they never existed and what authorities don't understand that by erasing these countenances they are removing standing evidences of 'Kuwait's Golden Era. 

In all countries, whether ripped by war or natural disasters, maintain and renovate historical landmarks; because it doesn't only echo how cities move forward - in some cases backward - but also how citizens changed. It is part of human development, a visual trace where many witness of stories and events; some are on national level while others are personal. The importance of historical landmark doesn't lay in its brick and walls, but in what it represent and witness throughout the years, and by taking them down you don't leave any trace for upcoming generations.

AlKouh's photographs takes you back in time to the beautiful landmarks of an Age were Kuwait was called “The Pearl Of The Gulf” and how these building looked like comparing to their shocking reality where many people pass by and don't notice or pay any attention to them, some are already forgotten. It is dedicated to document an era that links past to present, how Kuwait transferred and developed, where it stood and stands now. This one year project is an attempt to create awareness of demolishing consequences, calling to pay attention to what's remaining and a reminder of an essential and captivating part of Kuwait's history, that witnessed peace, harmony, growth and human-maturity not destruction and war.

Mohammed Alkouh