Negative Traces

mickyates Aftermath, Cambodia, CambodiaFMP, Coursework, Critical Research Journal, Documentary, Exhibition, Ideas, Infrared, Photography, Project Development, SSWeek10, SurfacesStrategies, Traces 8 Comments

The impact of the Genocide of 1975-1979 is still, in many ways, hidden. It is visible only in traces, both physical and psychological. My project is not about the Genocide per-se, but it does need to contextualise that terrible event as it sits in the background of the personal stories that I am exploring and documenting. It is a part …

Dark Tourism

mickyates Cambodia, ContextualResearch, Dark Tourism, Ethics, Genocide, History, Photography, SSWeek6, SurfacesStrategies 4 Comments

To me, ‘Dark Tourism‘ is rather inevitable. Places like Tuol Sleng in Cambodia seem to do a better job of earning tourist dollars than in aiding national reconciliation. But a glance at the visitor’s book (and the limited academic research available) shows that most visitors come to bear witness and pay respects. Craig Wright, in his chapter ‘Contested National Tragedies‘ …