ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Lucas Barioulet's Polaroid Love Story: Lebanon's Crises Through Sepia Lens

exhibition · 2026-08-30

French photographer Lucas Barioulet has captured life in Lebanon, a country he describes as both ugly and beautiful, using a Polaroid camera. His work, titled "A sad and beautiful world," presents a Lebanese love story and the attempt of a couple to survive wars and crises. The images, described as sepia-toned, reflect the country's complex reality. The project is featured in an article by NZZ, highlighting Barioulet's unique perspective on a nation marked by turmoil. The photographer's choice of Polaroid adds an intimate, nostalgic quality to the documentation of contemporary Lebanese life. The series underscores the resilience of individuals amidst ongoing instability. Barioulet's work contributes to the visual narrative of Lebanon, offering a personal and artistic lens on a region often depicted through conflict. The article does not specify dates or venues, but the project appears to be a photographic series, possibly exhibited or published. The title suggests a narrative arc, combining romance with the harsh realities of war and crisis. Barioulet's approach aligns with documentary photography traditions, yet his medium and framing introduce a distinct aesthetic. The sepia effect evokes a sense of timelessness, perhaps commenting on the cyclical nature of Lebanon's struggles. Overall, the work serves as a poignant reminder of the human dimension behind geopolitical headlines.

Key facts

  • French photographer Lucas Barioulet documented life in Lebanon using a Polaroid camera.
  • The series is titled 'A sad and beautiful world'.
  • The work depicts a Lebanese love story and a couple's attempt to survive wars and crises.
  • The images are described as sepia-toned.
  • Lebanon is characterized as both ugly and beautiful.
  • The project is featured in an NZZ article.
  • The photographer's choice of Polaroid adds an intimate quality.
  • The series highlights resilience amidst instability.

Entities

Artists

  • Lucas Barioulet

Institutions

  • NZZ

Locations

  • Lebanon

Sources