who?
From the age of 3, Cédric aka UrbanMythology, with his sharp and creative mind, expressed an innate love of art, exposing his life, his surroundings and his stories at a very early age. He also discovered music through his involvement with associations.
In 2007 was given his first assignment. He joined forces with Romain G. and Wilfried D., and UrbanMythology was born.
Following this first project, full of opportunism and insouciance, they quickly conquered the cultural venues and the world of nightlife. In Lille, then Paris, they mixed their graphic work with journalism and events.
Their paths diverged in 2010 and Cédric decided to continue the adventure alone, offering UrbanMythology a new chapter.
Known for his sharp eye and determination, Cédric first distinguished himself in photography and over the years has developed expertise in the music industry.
Since then, his adventure has been punctuated by a wealth of encounters and collaborations with varied but concordant influences.
Cédric accompanied the famous director and musician Quentin Dupieux aka Mr. Oizo, capturing the intense and surreal moments of the French Touch genius’s live performances.
In the same vein, he has collaborated with Ed Banger, crossed roads with Cassius, Breakbot and French electronic duo Justice, capturing the disco soul, the metallic energy and visual power of their concerts.
This was followed by a meeting with Jean-Baptiste Guégan, the singer with the famous golden voice. Cédric succeeded in capturing the artist’s passion and authenticity, highlighting his exceptional talent and charismatic stage presence, in the tradition of Johnny Hallyday.
During the first tour of the iconic duo PNL, Cédric had the opportunity to follow the two brothers. The resulting photographs convey the depth and atmosphere that characterise the duo, adding a new dimension to their public image through social networks and album covers.
In 2019 he met Grégory Lecourt, the creative director of Cutback.live.
In 2022, under the lead of Cutback.live and that of Arachnee Productions, UrbanMythology captures Booba’s monumental concert at the Stade de France, marking the historic event with his art, capturing the scale and grandeur of the rapper’s performance on the French music scene over the last 20 years.
2022 marks another turning point in Cedric’s career, with the passionate encounter with piano king Sofiane Pamart. With several projects and tours under his belt, Cédric captures the moments in life, the emotions and the unique live performances of the first pianist in history to sell out the Accor Arena, 5 Olympia concerts in a row and perform at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games. Highlighting the pianist’s adventure, sensitivity and virtuosity, UrbanMythology’s visuals gave rise to a first tour book, ‘Letter’, published by La Pluggerie editions.
In 2024, Cédric is the official photographer for the biggest tour in France: Star Academy, which took the winner Pierre Garnier, the 6 other finalists, dancers and musicians on the road for 76 dates. He has captured the magic and excitement of this major event, offering the public a behind-the-scenes look and of the cast’s unforgettable moments on stage.
MANIFESTO
At a time when everyone wants to be in the spotlight, I choose the shadows. My job is not to be seen, but to see. My eye is the silent witness to the evolution of incredible careers, capturing the essence of artists brands and personalities as they build their legends. To witness the creation of legends is a privilege to be proud of. And a responsibility.
Every image is a commitment. A commitment to document greatness, to capture the essence of life’s most profound moments. With honesty, I seek to reveal the beauty and complexity of the human experience without judgement, striving to distill emotion and truth in every picture. It’s also a commitment to preserving a legacy. Because these images are not just for today, but for the future to learn from and be inspired by.
I tend not to follow trends. I’m in the habit of challenging habits and shaking up the established order to explore unexpected paths.
I am an outsider and a pioneer of sorts, looking for a new world and the never-ending flow of adventure. By capturing the present, I look forward and never back.
This is this dedication to the art of images and photography that allows me to tell stories that transcend time, creating images that become timeless treasures that generations will cherish.
This devotion is in the service of what makes us human. I do it for people, and everything I do is meant to stir the emotions of my peers and future generations. By capturing the truth as it is, I allow the true story to unfold.
My work is a celebration of life, a tribute to the human spirit and an enduring legacy of visual storytelling.
Cédric DUQUESNOY UrbanMythology
selected partners
100 Femmes de Culture • 88T • Adidas • Arachnee Productions • Colors*Studios • DG prod • Disney • France TV • G1 prod • Jolimoi • Mediawan • Nike • Red Bull • Sinfonia Pop Orchestra • Sony Music • Star Wars
EDITIONS
Sofiane Pamart ‘LETTER’, the Tour book – Exclusive photos in 384 pages of rides, lifestyle and shows from Sofiane Pamart’s first tour. 2023
Sofiane Pamart ‘NOCHE’, the book – 436 pages of adventure, concerts and lifestyle from the NOCHE tour of Sofiane Pamart. Text and Poetry by Saphia Wesphael and Guillaume Héritier. 2024
CONTACT
info@u-m.tv
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