Fast Food
The Tây An Pagoda is a Buddhist temple and an important pilgrimage site in the Mekong Delta near Châu Doc, not far from the border with Cambodia. There are numerous Buddha statues inside the temple and traditional Buddhist festivals are celebrated regularly, attracting large numbers of pilgrims from all over the region.
During my visit, I took photos inside the temple and took portraits of pilgrims. I noticed a table of pilgrims eating the food served at an impressive speed. I politely asked if I could take a photo of them eating. Someone translated my request and, amid much laughter, I was not only granted permission – I was even asked to join in the meal myself.
I set up my tripod at the end of the table and took several exposures with a longer exposure time to capture the mood of the meal.
With the title “Fast Food”, I allude to the incredible speed with which the pilgrims eat their meal – a special moment that is concentrated and full of life. The title is in no way a reminder of the fast pace or lack of quality of modern fast food culture. It has become my favorite photograph from this journey through the Mekong Delta.
Today some prints hangs above one or other dining or kitchen table. There is no better place to present the photograph of the pilgrim’s meal. If it hangs in the kitchen, I strongly recommend mounting it behind matt acrylic glass so that the cooking fumes do not damage the print. If the print is hanging above a dining table, it needs to be the right size – use the calculator for the custom format.










