THE FROG HUNTER

Cambodia is often associated with the archaeological splendor of the Angkor temples. But the remains of a rich and prosperous civilization make us forget that this country has been deeply scarred by the genocide of the Khmer Rouge, an thirty years of war. Cambodia is now one of the poorest countries in the world: 35% of the population lives below the poverty line, 92% are located in rural areas. My theme of "Labors of Hercules" found all its resonance in Cambodia. Seth 14 years is a frog hunter. He goes everyday into the jungle in search of big frogs. He dives into ponds to catch small frogs which he uses to lure big frogs hidden in the bushes. His parents are rice farmers and don't have enough money to buy meat. Seth brings daily to his family a few frogs which will compensate the lack of proteins. On associe souvent le Cambodge à la splendeur archéologique des temples d'Angkor. Mais les vestiges d'une civilisation riche et prospère nous font oublier que ce pays a été profondément meurtri par le génocide des Khmers Rouges, et trente années de guerre. Le Cambodge est aujourd’hui l’un des pays les plus pauvres au monde : 35% de la population vit en dessous du seuil de pauvreté, 92% se situant en zone rurale. Ma thématique des "Travaux d'Hercule" a trouvé au Cambodge toute sa résonnance Seth a 14 ans c'est un chasseur de grenouilles. Tous les jours il part dans la jungle à la recherche de grosses grenouilles. Il plonge dans les étangs pour attraper de petites grenouilles dont il se sert pour appâter les grosse grenouilles cachées dans les buissons. Ses parents sont fermiers et cultivent le riz. Ils n'ont pas les moyens d'acheter de la viande. Seth apporte quotidiennement à sa famille quelques grenouilles qui compenseront le manque de

French-American, Valerie Leonard travels the world following her theme that she named “Labours of Hercules" where she attempts to show with utmost respect the dignity of women and men living and working in particularly hostile environments. She takes the time to live with the people and be fully accepted before starting her work. There is no staging, with patience and respect, she waits for the right moment, the right light to tell the truth, but in terms of beauty. Far from seeking aesthetic or false compassion she intends to change the way we see a forgotten humanity.