PLOY PHUTPHENG

MY STORY

A Thai-French Bangkok-based photographer, Ploy Phutpheng is specialized in documentary, travel and studio photography.

Born in Thailand, she spent most of her life in France between the French Riviera and Paris. Four years ago, she moved back to Thailand to reconnect with her roots through her camera lens. 

Through her photo taking, her ultimate goal is to show intimate insight into people’s lives and re-create moments filled with authenticity.  

A Freelance photographer for UN Women (United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women) and World Health Organization Thailand, she takes her inspiration from Steve McCurry’s work which has driven her current signature style of balancing warm colours, emotions, people and moments to generate a creative effect. 

Winner of the Nikon Photography Contest and selected by 500px in their «Editor’s Choice» 

category, her work has been published on various online blogs and in several French and Thai magazines. 

Phutpheng’s goal in photography is to act as a visual storyteller, creating artistic images which demonstrate the connections between different people. 

www.ployphutpheng.com

MY CHOICE

​

"Roots and Revival: The Role of Traditions and Festivals in Modern Society"

This exhibition has been built to showcase the photographs of various festivals and cultural events, it is essential to reflect on the significance of traditions and festivals in a modern society. These events serve as historical anchors that connect us to our roots and allow us to maintain our religious and cultural identities.

In a world that's rapidly changing, traditions and festivals serve as a link to the past and provide a sense of continuity to our lives. They remind us of our roots, our values, and our heritage. And in a globalized world, they become even more critical in preserving our unique identities and diverse cultural practices.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the traditions and festivals of religions and cultures across the globe. Take, for instance, the geisha culture in Japan. The art of being a geisha is a centuries-old tradition that has been passed down from one generation to the next. The rituals, the dances, the clothing, and the makeup are all part of a complex web of traditions that have been preserved over time. Through their performances and appearances, geishas embody a particular aspect of Japanese culture and art, and their very existence is a testament to the importance of tradition.

Similarly, in India, festivals like Holi and Diwali are an integral part of the Hindu religion and culture. They celebrate the victory of good over evil, and their observance dates back thousands of years. Holi, in particular, is known for its vibrant colors, water fights, and sweets, which represent the arrival of spring and the triumph of light over darkness. By observing these festivals, Indians connect with their past and reiterate their cultural values.

Indonesia's Ngerebek, a ritual that involves the search for evil spirits in the village, is another example of how traditions and festivals are historical anchors to religion and culture. This annual event brings together the villagers to perform a traditional dance, make offerings, and participate in the search for the evil spirits that threaten their community. The ritual serves as a reminder of their collective identity, beliefs, and values.

In conclusion, traditions and festivals play a vital role in preserving the religious and cultural heritage of communities around the world. They provide a window into the past, a way of connecting with our ancestors, and a sense of belonging to something bigger than ourselves. As we move forward in this modern society, we must remember to celebrate and preserve these historical anchors for generations to come.

​