Luang Prabang Biennale: Local Youth Outshine International Photographers
From February 8 to 28, 2010, the second Luang Prabang International Image Biennale took place in Luang Prabang, Laos, under the organization of the Centre de langue française de Vientiane and Culturesfrance. Curated by Françoise Hugnier, the event focused on the diminishing influence of French culture internationally. Exhibitions were held in unique locations and showcased works by artists such as Marion Gronier, Olivier Culmann, and Denis Darzacq. A significant contribution came from ten local students aged 14 to 18, with Ya Seng Li examining identity through diptychs, Seng Song depicting Laotian harmony with nature, and Sinxay Thavixay creating portraits. Mor Thor addressed women's roles in Laos, while the My Library initiative encouraged youth to craft collages. The Cinéma Tuk-Tuk group screened films in rural areas to enhance community involvement.
Key facts
- 2nd Luang Prabang International Image Biennale, February 8–28, 2010
- Organized by Centre de langue française de Vientiane and Culturesfrance
- Curated by Françoise Hugnier
- Exhibitions in unconventional venues: opium den, stilt house, royal palace kitchens
- Featured international photographers: Marion Gronier, Olivier Culmann, Denis Darzacq
- Local schoolchildren (ages 14–18) produced standout works
- Ya Seng Li created diptychs of beds on identity
- Mor Thor, 14, photographed herself in costumes as a Laotian Cindy Sherman
- My Library project: youth collages with internet backgrounds
- Cinéma Tuk-Tuk collective screened films and provided digital cameras in villages
Entities
Artists
- Françoise Hugnier
- Marion Gronier
- Olivier Culmann
- Denis Darzacq
- Ya Seng Li
- Seng Song
- Sinxay Thavixay
- Mor Thor
- Cindy Sherman
- Damien Sausset
Institutions
- Centre de langue française de Vientiane
- Culturesfrance
- Cinéma Tuk-Tuk
- Festival de Bamako
Locations
- Luang Prabang
- Laos
- Vientiane
- Mali
- Mékong River
Sources
- artpress —