The Changing Face of Laos Through its Music
Laos, a small land-locked communist country sandwiched between Thailand, Vietnam and China, is transforming into a consumer culture like its neighbors. Emerging artist, Todd Sanchioni, traveled throughout Laos searching for musicians, photographing them with a Mamiya 6×7 and a 35mm camera, and recording their sounds. Beautiful black and white photographs and the music that goes with them are the vehicles by which the visitor is introduced to an array of Lao musicians: From the traditional Isan sounds of Mr. Khamsuan, and the Hmong qeej player in the mountains, to The Cells (the most popular rock-and-roll band in Laos), and the hip-hip group known as L.O.G. (Laos Original Gangstas). Many of the changes taking place in Laos are represented by the changes in its music. Portable CD players will be available for visitors to listen to the music of corresponding photographs as they walk around the gallery; Also, for those who want to listen on their own mp3 player, a podcast of the music will be linked to Todds website for downloading from their own computer. fotosanchioni.com
