honorable mention
VALERIE LEONARD france
title
CAMBODIAS'S FIELDS
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.
The majority of them do not have the means to purchase a tractor, and have to work the land with oxen.
Moreover, the roots of rice require a large amount of water.
Farmers have to rely on irrigation techniques To prevent a stagnation and decaying of the plant.
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.
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entry description
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.
The majority of them do not have the means to purchase a tractor, and have to work the land with oxen.
Moreover, the roots of rice require a large amount of water.
Farmers have to rely on irrigation techniques To prevent a stagnation and decaying of the plant.
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