PHASE ONE, in 2009, focused on the creation of a new iconography. Purposeful documentation of the individuals at the heart of Cambodia’s cultural renaissance would establish a touchstone for imaginations everywhere.

To weave individuals worldwide into the fabric of this vision, funding for principal photography was sourced through Kickstarter. In 60 days, $50,264 was raised. This landmark success announced the Cambodian cultural renaissance in pervasive terms, introducing a new generation to this story.

With funding in hand, a large-format portrait archive of CLA’s masters was created by George Del Barrio, with the assistance of Mauricio Quintero. In parallel, interviews with a selection of the portrait subjects were conducted by Dwayne Shaw and Jonathan Wolff. “Masters” was a resounding success.

PHASE TWO, in 2010, was an exploration of the material created. The first creative artifact, The Mechanical, was the centerpiece of a second Kickstarter project to raise funds for film processing. In 14 days, $6,633 was raised. At 133% of the goal number, the success illuminated the passion of this partnership’s following, instilling new momentum. 1,600 sheets of 4×5 film were processed and a broad technology review began.

PHASE THREE is the application, and it will be solar-powered, interactive projections on the urban canvas: Photographic Monuments. Through 2011 engineering, software, and content design have continued to build momentum; tech and creative teams are working in parallel; 3,600 minutes of documentary footage have been digitized.

In 2012, Photographic Monuments will launch on Kickstarter to fund the development of the proof of concept.

And in advance of the Season of Cambodia (a multidisciplinary cultural festival staged throughout New York in 2013) the first Photographic Monument will be activated, transforming how the world sees Cambodia — and how Cambodians see themselves.

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