Paris-based photographer and filmmaker Kevin Couliau aims to unearth stories illuminating sports' profound impact on individuals and societies.
Son of an architect and brother to a pro skateboarder, a youth immersed in creativity and a deep passion for basketball helped him develop a keen understanding of sociology and urban design that seamlessly integrates into the composition and substance of his photography and films.
An essential part of his work examines the significant impact of basketball courts on urban landscapes and communities, capturing the people, details, colors, and structures as genuine ecosystems in constant evolution, witnessing the use of these spaces as absolute territories, recreational fields, or refuges to escape the day-to-day reality.
In 2013, he directed and filmed the award-winning documentary Doin' It In The Park (Netflix, PBS, Sundance Channel), delving into the rich history, culture, and global influence of pick-up basketball in New York City. Since then, Kevin has been exploring and documenting the sport's culture in more than 60 countries, establishing himself as the game's global explorer while revealing its boundless reach and power through exhibitions and publications.
His ability to capture stills, motion, and craft compelling narratives enables him to undertake a diverse range of short and long-form projects, leading to collaborations with renowned international entities such as Nike, Apple, and Hennessy, as well as cultural icons like LeBron James, Billie Eilish, Kobe Bryant, and Barack Obama.
Additionally, he devotes time throughout the year to Giants Of Africa, a non-profit organization leveraging basketball to educate and enrich the lives of youth in Africa.
”Blacktop Memento, fragments of erosion”
published by Asphalt Chronicles & Common Practice - 2022
“When Basketball Inspires” - 2021
published by Trajectoire Studio (featured artist)
“The City Game” - 2020
published by Rizzoli Electa & MCNY (contributor)
Asphalt Chronicles
#03 Paris - 2017
#02 Dakar - 2016
#01 Manila - 2014
published by Asphalt Chronicles
Hennessy
"French photographer explores a global game's social impact"
Vice
"These are the Most Beautiful Courts in the World"
Emirates Woman
"We talk to legendary basketball photographer Kevin Couliau"
BSTN
"Feed Fam : Kevin Couliau”
Complex
" Bobbito Garcia & Kevin Couliau talk Doin' It In The Park"
Athleta
"Behind The Lights”
Fubiz
”Sphere of Influence by Kevin Couliau”
New York City, USA
If we take into account the narratives, sacred stories, and spirituality surrounding basketball culture, it makes no doubt the sport should be considered a religion.
The regulars share a lifestyle and beliefs.
All commute on the same universal sanctuary: The Park.
No matter its location, the functions are the same - physical outlet, education, social integration - but its holy dimension resides in its capacity to heal wounds, like an outdoor confessional with a hoop as the priest.
As an active member of this community, I started capturing these heavenly visions in 2004 - from my hometown in France to more than 75 cities across the globe - highlighting the hallowed architecture and landscape of each playground. This endless photographic pilgrimage of mine is my reverence to basketball.
Los Angeles, California
Kampala, Uganda
New Territories, Hong Kong
New York City, USA
Paris, France
New Jersey, USA
Iceland
Cape Town, South Africa
CDMX, Mexico
Lagos, Nigeria
Venezia, Italy
Burano, Italy
San Pedro, USA
Toronto, Canada
Toronto, Canada
Newport Beach, USA
Cape Town, South Africa
CDMX, Mexico
Toulon, France
