The only photos people ever see of Iraq are the ones depicting death and destruction. The website iraq-pictures.com sets out to present something else. In his unique online portfolio of photographs, Erick Bonnier endeavors to show something of the history, beauty and people of Iraq.
Bonnier worked for the past ten years in Libya and the Middle East. His photographs have appeared in numerous European magazines. In 2000, with Gilles Munier, he published the first Guide to Iraq in the French language in 30 years. Bonnier has also cooperated with UNESCO on a major photo exhibit about Iraq, illustrating the daily life of the 22 million Iraqis.
Despite Bonnier’s attempts to present an accurate, balanced picture of Iraq, he was not beloved of the old regime. During their trip to Iraq in November 2002 to produce a story on the “Oil Road,” Bonnier and Céline Hue were prevented from filming. Although Bonnier had the necessary permits, Iraqi government officials allowed no footage to be shot.
At iraq-pictures.com, click “enter” and a second browser window will open, allowing the selection of photo groupings. Click on the reference number under each thumbnail image to bring up a larger photo, complete with caption.
— Arab News CompuNet 7 October 2003