EXHIBITION
Date: JAN15 - FEB15, 2025
Opening: JAN18th
Location: Factory Phnom Penh
Organizer: 認定 NPO法人 Hearts of Gold
Collaborator: Cloud Photo Studio, Oduro Kofi
Cooperator: National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia
𖠁 This exhibition is organized by NPO/NGO Hearts of Gold, an organization established by Yuko Arimori in 1998. It is dedicated to support children, persons with disabilities, and impoverished individuals in disaster-stricken areas, conflict zones, and developing countries through sports, education, and various activities. The aim is to help improve their lives and bring "hope and courage" to face challenges.
The exhibition is led by Haruka Yoneyama, who came to Cambodia in 2015 and has ten years of experience assisting persons with disabilities.
She states, "Even with ten years of experience, I feel that our support for persons with disabilities is still far from enough. I hope to improve their lives through different forms of expression."
For her, helping individuals with disabilities discovering a different version of themselves through sports, and encouraging them to joyfully and healthily integrate into society, are truly beautiful endeavors.Haruka embraces Yuko Arimori's belief, allowing more people to see the potential and hope within individuals with disabilities.
𖠁 Kofi Oduro, a photographer from Ghana, views photography as a means of emotional expression, initially starting as a hobby and ultimately evolving into a professional pursuit.
In his latest work, he focuses on capturing images of athletes with disabilities, showcasing their strength and confidence. Kofi employs low-angle shooting techniques to capture the vitality and self-assurance of the athletes, allowing viewers to feel their natural state and genuine emotions.
These works not only depict scenes from the sports field but also delve into the athletes' private lives, revealing their different identities at home. This diverse perspective blurs the boundaries of roles, allowing the audience to see the multifaceted nature of people with disabilities.
Kofi states, "This photography exhibition is of great significance to me; it goes beyond personal achievement. I hope to use my talent to raise social awareness about people with disabilities."
He expresses gratitude for the support of his team, which made this exhibition possible, and looks forward to continuing to tell more inspiring stories through his lens in the future.
𖠁 The collaborative unit for this exhibition, Cloud Photo Studio, is led by Vic Fang, who has made significant contributions in photography support, exhibition planning, and setup. Vic also presented a film during the exhibition that showcases the hopes and vitality of people with disabilities.
He stated, "Through visual and media exposure, I hope to help society see marginalized groups in different ways."
Having lived in Phnom Penh for many years, Vic feels a deep connection to the area and wishes to give back to the local community. This exhibition is not only a support for individuals with disabilities but also a proactive effort to raise awareness in Phnom Penh society, allowing more people to understand the potential and hope within these groups.
▼Chim Phan: Amputee leg. Currently a coach for Para-Athletics.
▼Nguon Ratana: Polio. Being a Para-Athletics athletes and working as a cleaner at school.
▼Yin Sot: A visually impaired runner who loves the sport.
▼Vet Chantha: Amputee leg. She got 3 gold medals at ASEAN PARA Games 2023 in Cambodia.
▼Bong Hong: Amputee arm. He lost his hand by landmine when he was 18 working in Thailand.
▼Hea Hok: Polio.He started to playing sport since 2017.
▼Van Vun: Polio. He had joined Paralympic game at Rio, Tokyo and Paris.
▼Yi Soksan: Amputee arm. He loves his wife and 2 children.
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