Youngjun Kwon

Time’s Divide in Phnom Penh

On the outskirts of Phnom Penh, where I lived, two contrasting worlds existed side by side. One was a bustling construction site, a product of China’s growing influence and rapid urbanization. The other was a serene, traditional Cambodian village, where farmers still toiled the land using oxen and plows. Intrigued by this stark contrast, I began documenting the daily lives of these villagers, whom I dubbed “Phnom Penh’s last farmers.” Beyond the fence, their world was both familiar and strangely new, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth. However, as their land was gradually encroached upon by development, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of loss. In our modern, urbanized world, we often yearn for simpler times. The disappearance of these traditional ways of life makes us question what we’ve gained and what we’ve lost in our pursuit of progress.

Youngjun Kwon is a multifaceted artist who seamlessly blends his passion for photography with his career in international trade. Through his travels across Russia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, he has captured the essence of diverse cultures and landscapes. His work, a compelling blend of documentary and street photography, offers a unique perspective on the human condition.