Reflections

Two interested visitors to the John Vink exhibition tonight

Tonight was the opening of John Vink's photographic exhibition, 30 years for a Trial, at Chinese House on Sisowath Quay, which was very well attended. It showed 21 of Vink's photos covering elements of the the thirty year period that has led up to the Khmer Rouge trials, which he attends every day by the way. They included Pol Pot's cremation site (though I found it almost impossible to recognise it from the place I've visted on at least a couple of occasions), pictures from Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek and of course, more recent shots taken at the ECCC. The exhibition will be viewable until 6 September. The photos can be purchased for upwards of $450. Would I pay that amount for a photo, the answer is no, but I would for a painting if I really loved it enough. In fact the exhibition left me a bit cold to be frank. I came away feeling quite indifferent about it, none of the photos really stood out in my view as having that wow factor, which is how I personally judge exhibitions in general. I like to see something that I've never seen before or an image that catches me by surprise in its effect on me. But don't take my word for it, visit the exhibition and judge for yourself. And you can see a range of the photographer's work here.

Earlier today I paid a visit to another of the boats that are offering sunset cruises and trips along the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, this time the boat is called The Butterfly and its a new addition to the plethora of boats docked along Sisowath Quay. This 16 metre renovated wooden boat offers a comfortable river excursion, is able to take up to 15 passengers and is already getting its fill of private functions and photoshoots. Its mooring is opposite the Camintel offices.

The 16m wooden sunset cruiser, The Butterfly

30 Years for a Trial

Phnom Savoeun (Battambang). 20/01/2008: Phnom Savoeun cave.
About 2000 people were killed here by the Khmer Rouge and thrown in the cave between 1975 and 1979. The pagoda was used as a prison. Today the building is used as a pagoda again. Photo courtesy of John Vink.

Photographer John Vink can be found at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal most days. A visit to his website will confirm that. So it's fitting that his next exhibition, starting 20 August and lasting thru til 6 September at the Chinese House on Sisowath Quay, is entitled, 30 Years for a Trial. There's a reception at 7pm on the 20th and the exhibition is set to include Vink's photographs of places, memories, and ongoings of the tribunal. Since moving here in 2000, Vink has concentrated on social and land issues all over Cambodia, focusing most recently on events at the ECCC. Visit his website here and make sure you visit the exhibition too.