As a girl, Granny Yoern dreamed of one day wearing the beautiful outfits of the traditional Apsara dancer like her cousin. It never happened.
But 57 years later, Granny Yoern’s dream finally came true thanks to a heartwarming initiative, the Apsara Granny Project, brought to life by local photographers and the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF).
Eight grannies from CCF - among them Granny Yoern - who had all suffered hardship and poverty in their lives, had the opportunity to reconnect with their cultural heritage by dressing in traditional Apsara attire, usually worn by younger women. With a combined age of 643, the Apsara Grannies are living national treasures. The eldest is 105-year-old Phat Morn.
Now, stunning photographs of the Apsara Grannies, paired with artworks created by CCF students, are on display at the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, celebrating the resilience and beauty of Cambodia’s elders.
Some of the grannies, including Granny Yoern, attended a special “Meet the Grannies” event at the museum on 18 October, where they shared their inspiring stories alongside the students who helped bring the project to life.
The project dug up an old dream from when I was young to come true
As a young girl, Granny Yoern learned Apsara dance — her parents were traditional Yike performers. She dreamed of performing on stage, but the Khmer Rouge regime ended that dream.
Over a century later, the Apsara Granny project gave that lost dream back to her.
“I feel that my dream from when I was young is now fulfilled. I felt overwhelmed when the photographer showed me my picture. I never thought that an old woman like me could be a beautiful Apsara… The project dug up an old dream from when I was young to come true,” said Granny Yoern, now 69.
Before joining CCF, Granny Yoern struggled to survive as a garbage scavenger. Illness and poverty had forced her to sell everything she owned and move to Phnom Penh, hoping for a better future for herself, her disabled son, and her grandson.
A gentle and kind woman, being able to dress up as a graceful Apsara, has given her such joy later in life.
Granny Vanny, 61, was also overcome with emotion upon seeing her image on the wall at the National Museum, which houses a significant collection of Khmer artefacts.
“My picture is very beautiful and I am excited that I can see my picture in a museum,” she said.
Granny Vanny struggled to raise her sick grandson alone. Through CCF’s Granny Program, she found support and a secure home for them both.
CCF student Sokha Pich, 15, helped create paintings inspired by the original photographs.
“Our grannies have such beauty, and it shows that all generations and ages, old or young, can be beautiful,” she said. “Our mission to show this has had a special result.”
I had a very difficult life before...It’s made me very happy to be an Apsara Granny
At the age of 84, Granny Mao was the eldest participant at the Meet the Apsara Grannies event. “I have a good feeling when I look at my picture and photo. I had a very difficult life before; I had six children, but lost four. It’s made me very happy to be an Apsara Granny," she said.
What began as a photography and art project has become something more profound - a revival of identity, pride, and possibility, and a celebration of the timeless beauty and dignity of older women.
The exhibition is open to the public until 8 November.
A big thank you to the creative team from Feel The Warmth, all the staff at the National Museum, and TDB Projects, who have helped make the exhibition possible.
