Twenty-eight-year-old Tang Chhin Sothy always knew he wanted to be a photographer but didn’t have access to the proper equipment or instruction until six years ago, when Association Arts Cambodge established a photography program at the University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh.
For the first time, Tang Chhin Sothy, and a handful of other aspiring photographers, had access to cameras, film and a darkroom—and because of this, a chance to cultivate his emerging skills. Since then, Chhin Sothy has been busy taking pictures of his favorite subjects: Cambodians.
“In Cambodia, it’s easy to take people’s photos, they are always willing to cooperate,” he says.
His first exhibit, entitled “Portraits,” on display at the French Cultural Center, is a collection of black and white photos, taken over the last three years in Kompong Chhnang and Kandal provinces.
“I talked to the people and got to know them before taking their photos,” he says. “They are not all smiles, but they all have a meaningful expression.”
Roland Celette, director of cultural activities at the French Cultural Center, says this kind of exhibit is important for Cambodian photographers because it helps them to develop portfolios that might help them find work with international employers.
He says many Cambodian photographers do not know how to market themselves and usually just end up selling their photos to local newspapers for $10 or $20, when they could be selling their photos internationally.
He also believes themes can help photographers establish an artistic identity.
“What is important is not what is in the photos, but that [the photographer] spent years working on the same subject,” Celette said. “When there is a theme, it is easier to get closer to the artist. If you look at these and understand them, then you will understand something about the artist.”
The subjects—who range from a 15-year-old boy sniffing gas fumes to a seasoned ferry operator who is saving all his income to build a pagoda—seem oblivious to the intrusion of the camera lens, lending the portraits an eerie sense of authenticity.
“If you’re not passionate about it, you cannot take pictures,” Chhin Sothy says. “Whether they are good or bad depends on the state of your heart and mind.”
The photographs, on sale for $50 each, are on display until July 21.
