honorable mention
VALERIE LEONARD francePhoto © VALERIE LEONARD
title
THE FROG HUNTER
Cambodia is often associated with the archaeological splendor of the Angkor temples.
But the remains of a rich and prosperous civilization make us forget that this country has been deeply scarred by the genocide of the Khmer Rouge, an thirty years of war.
Cambodia is now one of the poorest countries in the world: 35% of the population lives below the poverty line, 92% are located in rural areas.
In a disadvantaged rural area in the Northwest of the country, the activity that gives families a chance of survival does not spare children.
Farmers share their efforts to plow the fields, plant and replant rice, on cycles of five months.
Seth 14 years is a frog hunter. He goes everyday into the jungle in search of big frogs. He dives into ponds to catch small frogs which he uses to lure big frogs hidden in the bushes. His parents are rice farmers and don't have enough money to buy meat. Seth brings daily to his family a few frogs which will compensate the lack of protein.
When she presses the shutter, she remembers the doctrine of her father: "Always tell the Truth, but in terms of Beauty".
Valerie Leonard strives for her work to embody to this search for truth and beauty of human beings, whatever their origin or wealth.
Far from seeking aesthetic or false compassion, she wants to show the dignity of these women and men, in particularly hostile environments.
Throughout her trips around the world she focused her work particularly on a theme that she named “Labours of Hercules”.
A series of photographs where she attempts to show with utmost respect and admiration the nobility and courage of those living in difficult conditions.
back to gallery
entry description
CAMBODIACambodia is often associated with the archaeological splendor of the Angkor temples.
But the remains of a rich and prosperous civilization make us forget that this country has been deeply scarred by the genocide of the Khmer Rouge, an thirty years of war.
Cambodia is now one of the poorest countries in the world: 35% of the population lives below the poverty line, 92% are located in rural areas.
In a disadvantaged rural area in the Northwest of the country, the activity that gives families a chance of survival does not spare children.
Farmers share their efforts to plow the fields, plant and replant rice, on cycles of five months.
Seth 14 years is a frog hunter. He goes everyday into the jungle in search of big frogs. He dives into ponds to catch small frogs which he uses to lure big frogs hidden in the bushes. His parents are rice farmers and don't have enough money to buy meat. Seth brings daily to his family a few frogs which will compensate the lack of protein.
about the photographer
Born in Paris, french-american, Valerie Leonard has always been surrounded by a world of images. Her mother was a painter, and her father, photographer, Herman Leonard.When she presses the shutter, she remembers the doctrine of her father: "Always tell the Truth, but in terms of Beauty".
Valerie Leonard strives for her work to embody to this search for truth and beauty of human beings, whatever their origin or wealth.
Far from seeking aesthetic or false compassion, she wants to show the dignity of these women and men, in particularly hostile environments.
Throughout her trips around the world she focused her work particularly on a theme that she named “Labours of Hercules”.
A series of photographs where she attempts to show with utmost respect and admiration the nobility and courage of those living in difficult conditions.
back to gallery