At a Glance
"Colourful Education in Cambodia,," a joint photo exhibit by Virginie Noel and Peter Harris exploring rural education. Opens July 1 at the FCC Phnom Penh. Through July 31.
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Aide et Action
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"Colourful Education in Cambodia," a photography exhibition produced by the French NGO Aide et Action exploring primary education, opens July 1 at the FCC Phnom Penh.
The exhibit's 20 photographs come from two photographers, Virginie Noel and Peter Harris. Both photographers spent several weeks shooting on location at rural AA-supported schools.
"The exhibition explores one of the most fascinating aspects of Cambodia, the beauty of colors in the landscape," explains AA. "The unique green of the rice fields, the shining yellow of the continuous sun, the red of the earth."
Noel photographed in Chhlong, Kratie province, and Harris spent time covering AA's Battambang operations. Each photographer has contributed 10 photographs to the exhibit.
The photographs capture children at study and at play, often times laughing and smiling but occasionally somber. Also included are artistic interpretations of the accoutrements of childhood study: a red book satchel, a yellow school building, a well-thumbed reader.
"In my photographs, I invite the viewer to explore worlds unseen, and incite them to open up to a new perception," says Noel. "I want to raise questions, not answer them."
A seasoned Phnom Penh hand, Noel has previously exhibited photography at the Ministry of Education, Two Fish Gallery in Siem Reap and Meta House in Phnom Penh.
In contrast to Noel's artistic interpretations, Harris' style tends more to the photojournalism school of photography. He has worked extensively in Cambodia, Thailand, China and Mongolia photographing humanitarian and relief efforts.
"I strive to create images which not only inform, but also initiate the need to become involved," Harris says.
The objective of the AA exhibit is twofold - to raise both awareness and funds for AA's projects in Cambodia.
Aide et Action is an international, non-religious and apolitical organization based in Paris, France. Founded more than 25 years ago, it is currently working in more than 20 countries worldwide across four continents. It has been registered with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport since 2003 and with the Ministry of Finance since 2004. Aide et Action is a registered non-profit in France.
"Colourful Education in Cambodia" runs through July 2008.