Adel Ben Bella

Adel Ben Bella is a doctoral student in the Modern Culture and Media program at Brown University.13 His research interests focus on visual culture, documentary, photography, cultural activism, representation, Algeria, colonial France, postcolonialism, and personal and collective identity formations.1

Academic Background

Adel holds a BA in Lettres Modernes Spécialisées from Université de La Sorbonne.3 He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Brown University, where his work centers on Algeria, the French Colonial Empire, and photography.4

Research and Expertise

As a filmmaker and curator, Adel's academic pursuits blend theory with practice. His research explores the intersections of visual culture, colonial history, and identity formation, with a particular focus on Algeria.5 This interest is evident in his recent work organizing a series of events marking 60 years of Algeria's independence, which included an exhibition of rarely seen images by Algerian photographer Mohamed Kouaci.2

Professional Activities

Beyond his doctoral studies, Adel has been involved in various academic and cultural projects:

1. He organized events exploring notions of revolution, independence, and decolonization through photographs and films documenting the construction of modern Algeria.2
2. Adel curated an exhibition featuring the work of Mohamed Kouaci, one of the few photographers to document the Algerian revolution and early years of independence.2
3. He has been associated with Brown University's Center for Middle East Studies.5

Adel Ben Bella's work demonstrates a commitment to exploring the complex relationships between visual media, cultural identity, and historical narratives, particularly in the context of Algeria's colonial past and journey to independence.