"Window to Somewhere Else"
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Rami Mekdachi grew up in France, in Paris more precisely.
Curious, creative, and multi-talented, he is a photographer, musician, filmmaker, and founder of the Lola James Harper Global Art Project, each medium capturing his unique perspective on life and human connection.
Rami Mekdachi is also an award-winning director and photographer, basketball fan and music lover... His first feature film WITH, which tells the story of a quest for peace, unity, simple joy and presence, was awarded the Best Documentary at the Golden State Film Festival in Hollywood and the Open World Film Festival in Toronto, Best Director at the Nice IFF, Best Original Score at the Queen Palm Springs IFF, and nominated for Best Cinematography at the London IFF…
Over the years, he lived first in Lancaster, England, then the San Juan Islands and Seattle, Washington. He spent 15 years traveling with his family, recording music, filming their musical sessions, meetings, discussions and road trips.
His latest cinematic journey, “HOOPTIME,” distills a decade of travel, conversations and exhilarating games into a moving narrative, complete with a never-before-seen original soundtrack. It’s Rami’s heartfelt ode to street basketball – celebrating it not only as a sport, but also as an art form and a bridge to the world.
On the news side, since January 18 and until February 18, 2024, Rami Mekdachi is exhibiting “PACIFIC” at MERCI*. And celebrates the American West Coast, a region rich in energy and creativity. An immersive road trip, in search of music, friendship and adventure along the Pacific coast. 50 exclusive prints by Lola James Harper, accompanied by screenings of the award-winning film 'WITH' by Rami Mekdachi.
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Your first photographic breakthrough?
Rami Mekdachi: I was born in Beirut in the 70s, the war broke out and, overnight, we left Lebanon to settle in Paris. Photography is one of the magical links that connects me to this lost paradise... In my opinion, photography is a window open to a dreamed, desired, past or lost elsewhere.
The man or woman of image who inspires you?
RM: Stephen Shore, Saul Leiter, Tom Arndt for their incredible poetic interpretation of American Dream… Jamel Shabazz for his presence at the birth of the Hip Hop movement in the 80s… Charles Peterson for his presence at the birth of the Grunge movement in Seattle in the 90s…Hugh Holland for his presence at the birth of skateboard culture in California in the 70s…
The image you would have liked to create?
RM: I have too many pictures on my mind…
A key image from your personal pantheon?
RM: An image of my wife, my son, my daughter and me, about to leave for our first improvised 2-month road trip in the USA between Seattle and Los Angeles.
A photographic memory from your childhood?
RM: Me and my mother in Beirut on the family balcony
What quality do you think is necessary to be a good photographer?
Rami Mekdachi: Knowing how to be present and listening to what is around us and wanting to share this moment with others while knowing how to add a little something of your own.
The secret of the perfect image, if it exists?
RM: Perfection is so subjective that the secret is first of all knowing how to define the perfect image for yourself.
The person you would like to photograph?
RM: Jimi Hendrix.
An essential photo book?
RM: Concerning me there are several: “Uncommon places” by Stephen Shore, “The Unseen Saul Leiter” by Saul Leiter, “Reflections of America” by Tom Arndt, “Seattle Grunge” by Charles Peterson, “Back in the Days” by Jamel Shabazz and “Locals only” by Hugh Holland.
The camera from your childhood?
RM: A Kodak instamatic.
The one you use today?
RM: A Sony @7III and a Canon R5.
Your favorite drug?
RM: Coffee and encounters.
The best way to disconnect for you?
RM: Go play a street basketball match with the local kids…
What is your relationship with image?
RM: Very good… we get along quite well, thank you…
Your greatest quality?
RMi: I know how to listen and ask questions
What are the differences between photography and art photography?
RM The level of inspiration it gives you.
The city, country or culture you dream of discovering?
RM: I dream of rediscovering Lebanon, my country of origin.
The place you never get tired of?
RM: The place where my family is.
In terms of social networks, are you more Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok or Snapchat and why?
RM: Instagram because the foundation of this network is based on beautiful images.
Color or B&W?
RM: Color and B&W.
Daylight or artificial light?
RM: Daylight!!! because I like to play with what is offered to me... interact with what is offered considering that it is always an opportunity to be used... improvisation at all costs. Certainly a character trait that I developed to counteract my very natural “control freak” side. (laughs)
Which city do you think is the most photogenic?
RM: Any city under the sun, with its shadows and its reflections, its contrasts and its reliefs. Light always creates surprises and amazing angles.
If God existed, would you ask him to pose for you, or would you opt for a selfie with him?
RM: Neither...I would try to take a photo of him working.
If I could plan your ideal dinner party, who would be at the table?
RM: My family and my friends.
The image that represents for you the current state of the world?
RMi: Angel wings and heavy feet.
What is missing in today's world?
RM: Some room for dreams
If you had to start all over again?
RM: I would do everything the same again.
The final word ?
RM: Always know how to leave room for dreams.
