Photography in Cambodia - by Nicholas Coffill (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A stunning visual journey through Cambodian culture, history, art, struggle, and modernization.

Cambodia has two parallel histories. One is the constant stream of adventurers and diplomats, kings and rebels, archaeologists and artists drawn to the magnificent ruins at Angkor. Another is the formation of a nation through the Cambodian people's fierce struggles with colonialism, war, revolution, famine, and finally, the long road to recovery.

This book captures these parallel stories through the eyes of talented photographers who were present to record such events. The images, which include many rare and never-before-published photos, are drawn from archives, national collections, libraries, and private collections.

This treasure trove of nearly 500 photographs showcases the work of over 100 photographers--including pioneering female photographers, Cambodian and international photographers, and some who died soon after the rise of the Khmer Rouge.

Within these pages, readers will find a fresh perspective on Cambodia. From the early days of French colonialism through the struggle for independence, and emergence into an uneasy peace in the 21st century.

Review Quotes

"Nick Coffill's wide-ranging overview, with its many rare and even previously unseen images, will become an essential part of the library of anyone with an interest in the kingdom." --Philip Coggan. author of An Illustrated History of Cambodia

"Nick's visual and cultural acuity are of the highest level. Allied to a deep love of Cambodia, with such extensive knowledge, his accomplished photographic history holds unique insights into the kingdom's past and present. I strongly recommend it." --Dr Lindsay Sharp, retired Director, Science Museum Group, London

An Interview with Author Nicholas Coffill: Cambodia's Complex & Nuanced History

About the Author

Nicholas Coffill studied stage design at NIDA in Australia. In the 1980s he began a career as an exhibition designer and museum planner. He has specialized in using photography as a medium of storytelling for over 35 years and has worked and consulted for museums in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, the UAE, Israel, Qatar and China. Since 1992 he has lived in Malaysia, Singapore and now Cambodia. In 2016 he created the acclaimed live performance SNAP! 150 Years of Photography in Cambodia held in Siem Reap, upon which this book is loosely based.