Despite their desire for “modernization”, Cambodian cities are far from the powerful megacities of South-east Asia which they try to emulate. Most cities in Cambodia preserve their small-town character, a provincial atmosphere inherited from the time of the colonial protectorate. Outside the well-lit major arteries, the avenues crossing the city and the docks where bars and restaurants can be found, lighting is poor or non-existent and every evening the city is plunged into darkness. But the hustle and bustle continues.
The most common means of transport is small motorbikes. Riding through Siem Reap, thinking about how he would tackle his night pictures, Philon’s motorbikes headlamp revealed unsuspected street scenes. He realized that these “apparitions” would be his subject, using the headlamp to light them.
In the City by Night is a singular project in both form and content. It suits the body of work of a photographer passionate about light. Philong is also passionate about documentary, bearing witness to social issues for which he tries to find a non-conventional aesthetic. Self-taught by choice, he started as a video editor. His enthusiasm for the still image arose by accident and he chose photography. Digital, of course, since in Phnom Penh there was no training in traditional photography and nowhere to develop or print. Experience as a press photographer made him understand that he was ill-suited to the superficial coverage of ephemeral events. He began to develop “personal projects”, not realizing that this was quite common. All of these revolved around capturing light.
Landskrona Photo Festival
September 8-17, 2017
Landskrona
Sweden
http://www.landskronafoto.org/en/fotofestival-2017/
