A Visual Feast in PP

With images from village life, Kanha Hui’s photography embellished with paint, thread, ink, stencil and paper cut techniques tells a story of identity. Her work touches on feminism and self-determination, critically examining the traditional roles of women and children in her society. The current exhibition was inspired by the Cambodian proverb, “Men are like gold,

Women are like white cloth.” It’s well-known and means men are able to recover from their past missteps and shine themselves off again to their original brilliance unlike women who carry the stain of their mistakes forever.

 

I guess this spoke to me because I struggle to comprehend, adapt to the current systematic changes and fit in socially when I return to my “village.” This artist not only returns to her village but questions the status quo and establishes community art projects for women to participate in and thereby build self-esteem and connection beyond the household duties the women mostly engage in.

 

I’m thankful for opportunities for visual stimulation that the capital can provide. There are many locations in the city where contemporary and inspirational art and photography can be seen.

 

In particular we regularly enjoy the selections of Stan at the Gallerist for the images we are able to view as a result of his enterprise and network of young talented Cambodian artists.

Although the above-mentioned exhibition is being staged elsewhere the current work in his gallery is also a thought provoking and passionate expression of pressing social issues and the environmental concerns of young Khmer artists. Of course, of particular interest to us were the magnificent large format hornbill pieces.

 

 

At the moment the Photo Phnom Penh Festival 2023 is taking place and establishments all over the city are exhibiting work from both local and international photographers.

 

The collection by Kim Hak at the Institute Français du Camboge depicts a ten-year period in Cambodia with images from many provinces. Some familiar and still visible rural scenes contrast starkly with those depicting the cityscapes, which greatly differ from the current visual in our urban environment.

 

Olivia Gay’s scenes of everyday life in France provide a vibrant backdrop to the quiet courtyard and contemporary open space adjoining the library of the same venue.

 

The Factory also currently has a collection of both foreign and Khmer acclaimed photographers’ images as a part of this festival in addition to the contemporary art, which is hung and the street art images, which adorn both internal and external walls throughout the complex.  

Reoccurring themes of development, environment, society, culture and tradition are featured in the diverse offerings of the photographers and artists on show at Air Gallery by Sar’art. Each has a specific style and perspective of lived-in spaces and highlights the forces of change.

There is a collection on the external wall of the French Embassy, which always has a thematic exhibit on display as well as images in hotel lobbies and various other venues around the city. It’s a feast for the eyes and an insightful reflection of the ever-evolving landscape of our times.

 

There are still more photographers to discover in this two-month long festival and we are looking forward to doing exactly that.

 

Visual stimulation and insightful creativity are more reason to love living where we do. Gratitude Attitude.