Present Absence: The Unforgettable Legacies @Bophana Center

Hi All,

V at the exhibit

 If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing right now, I would have been an anthropologist. That’s a far cry from what I’m doing now; think, finances. Can you imagine me digging and sweating? I quickly realised that my shallow self wouldn’t handle that.

I love the arts! I love historic events, learning about ancient civilizations and cultures, beliefs, tall tales, fables and fairy tales, sculptures, architecture, etc. I really love architecture/interior designs and statues/sculptures. I can enjoy paintings too…but to a lesser degree. Photography is new to me. And I’m learning to appreciate that more too.  

That’s why when I travel I have to hit cultural and historical tourist points à museums.

It’s a wonder that I’m not very artsy in Cambodia. I don’t attend any functions or gatherings. However, last week, I finally went to an art exhibit’s opening. I wanted to publish this article sooner but I got sidelined. But as the world focus on Angelina Jolie’s First They Killed My Father – an autobiography turned into film for Netflix, I think this post is still fitting. UPDATE: I just saw the premiere in Phnom Penh and can't wait to link you guys to that later.

Present Absence: The Unforgettable Legac(ies) [Khmer title: Sramorl Antoul Tam Brann: Soobin Del Minn-archh Bumpleach Ban. V’s translation: Shadows from the body: dreams that can’t be forgotten]

Art exhibition featuring Leang Seckon, Mak Remissa and Sou Sophy

Location: Bophana Center

The artists

The art exhibit focused on Khmer Rouge/Pol Pot. If you don’t know what that is, look it up on Wikipedia.

Artists:

• Mak Remissa: Left 3 days series

16 photos compilation using handmade paper cut-outs and smoky background evoking imageries of the fall of Phnom Penh in 1975 when Khmer Rouge took over the capital. Left 3 days refers to the Khmer Rouge’s demand for people to empty the city into countryside life while they “clean” up the capital so they can return. Promises were made for equality under communism, but in the end, it was a masked for the four years monstrosity.  

I really enjoyed his photo compilation because it was so unique. Showing that 2D paper can still depict emotions, you get a sense on how everything was hazy and hot while people travelled by foot – carrying their precious few belongings for many miles.

Biography:

Born in Phnom Penh in 1970, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime. Currently a photojournalist for the European Pressphoto Agency. One of the most successful Khmer photographers; 1^st and 3^rd place in 1997 National Photojournalism competition hosted by FCC, showcased his art in many exhibits, and recent work part of the Singapore Art Museum’s permanent collection.

• Leang Seckon: Influence: The New Ages

An awesome usage of mixed media on canvas. His depiction of the new age resonates deeply with me. The gaunt in the monk’s face and haunting eyes followed me as I took steps backwards to absorb the whole picture. Or what if this is Buddha? And how the war really hit at religion and Buddha secretly suffered and was in pain while so many people died.

I really liked how he used different types of textures, textiles and color on the convas. Note how the soldier has a pineapple head? Pineapples are known to have “eyes” and I feel it’s to mean that no matter what anyone did, the soldiers knew all. Kind of like the evil eye in LOTR.

Biography:

Born in Prey Veng in the early 1970s, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime. He has exhibited numerous solo shows around the world; participated in the 2012 Shanghai Biennale, awarded a medal from Queen Norodom Monineath in 2014, residency at the Bronx Museum of the Arts in New York in 2013, and selected for the 8^th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art in Brisbane in 2015.

• Sou Sophy: Black Rain

Using only blank ink and pencil, Sophy’s artwork was a metaphor for the cruelty, injustice and traumatic experiences from the genocide. Innocence and chaos, like yin and yang, engulf together. Destroying innocent children through starvation was normal during the Khmer Rouge regime. However, Sophy notes that Cambodia still has a black cloud hanging over our heads. We believe the worst has passed, but has re-emerged in contemporary Cambodia.

I wish I could do that with just a pencil. She’s so talented. It’s so lifelike and I can really imagine how kids suffered as they had no food or water (that’s why they have bloated bellies).

Biography:

Born in Battambang province in 1988 after the genocide. A teacher at Battambang University, she has exhibited in several shows including winning 1^st award for graphic design illustrators and the Blooming 2^nd Award Design contest.

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More on Bophana Center

Bophana Center is co-founded by Cambodian filmmakers Rithy Panh and Ieu Pannakar. The Bophana Center collections images and sound archives related to Cambodia providing to the general public for free. A great place to learn about Cambodia’s unique heritage. They also train young Cambodians in cinema, audio-visual and new media.

They have over 2,400 films that you can explore for free.

My take: learn more about Cambodian culture for free

FB: https://www.facebook.com/bophanacenter.cambodia/?fref=ts

Website: www.bophana.org

Address: #64, Oknha Men Street (St 200), Phnom Penh, Cambodia (nearest cross street is Monivong Blvd)

Specs: 8am-6pm

Let me know your thoughts. Shout it out in the comments below.

Thanks for reading.

XoXo V

* Sunny Up with V *

If you would like me to visit your place, let me know! I’m more than happy to check out and eat your delicious food =)