Kumnooh was established ten years ago this month as a sister publication to LengPleng.com, the online music magazine for Cambodia, to provide basically a gig guide for the wider arts, covering art galleries, literature, dance, cinema, photography and now stand up comedy.
You may be interested in becoming a Friend of Kumnooh, where we ask venues, artists and individuals to show their support by making a small monetary contribution to keep the lights on. In return for a boost in promotion, including a non-Facebook web page on our site for direct contact with the dedicated arts audience. Check out our first example – Chhan Dina Gallery. Queries by return email – fabianhipp@kumnooh.com.
For a more rock’n’roll view of Phnom Penh and the wider Cambodian music scene, please check out our sister publication lengpleng.com, the long running live music gig guide.
Send a ‘subscribe’ email to fabianhipp@kumnooh.com to receive Kumnooh in your inbox every Tuesday lunchtime.
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See you about…
Fabian Hipp
Kumnooh
fabianhipp@kumnooh.com
Drop Cloth: a few things you might not know about…
Photo: supplied.
Ny Vannak is a self-taught artist with a range of distinctive styles, who has her own gallery/studio in Lanka Lane (viewings by appointment). She has exhibited work in many galleries in Phnom Penh including Chhan Dina Gallery and The Gallerist. Her work is prominent in the Srey Art exhibition that opened for International Women’s Day at Sra’Art and which closes this weekend with a celebration on Saturday night.
An artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is overrated:
I don’t judge other people or other artists. Every artist has their own opinion, their own inspiration, their own style. I experiment with many different styles, I am inspired by different artists from around the world.
An early art memory:
When I was a little child I liked to play with clay to make pots, Buddhas, snakes – I would make anything to play with as a toy. When I was young my mum couldn’t afford to send me to school, and I was sad that I could not go, but I would write in a book or on a banana leaf or even in the sand, anywhere I could. I started to draw to have something to look at on the wall, didn’t think I would ever do anything like painting. When I lived in Singapore I got more excited about art, I could visit museums and galleries and exhibitions. I love museums, I love sculpture.
The last thing you had to eat:
Rice with fried vegetables.
Where did you do your art studies?
I didn’t really study, but I went to a lot of art activities where I would just watch for an hour or two.
When did you first leave Cambodia?
In 2013, when I went to Singapore.
A book or movie you keep going back to:
I like to watch Disney kid movies, the animation and the landscapes, and documentaries about art styles and artists.
What languages do you speak?
Khmer, English. A little bit of Vietnamese but I’m forgetting it now that I focus on English.
A country that you would like to visit:
Any country with big museums.
Something people might be surprised to know about you:
I work at the craft beer bar Embargo and many customers are surprised to know that I am an artist! Sometimes they even buy my work.
A piece of advice for a young artist:
Whatever kind of art you feel from your heart, get up and do it. Find your own style, create, express yourself. Don’t wait, don’t hurry, go out and do it. And go out to see art wherever you can find it.
A question from last week’s participant – how do you see the future of art in society?
For Cambodian society to understand more about art I think we need more museums. My inspiration came from learning about art history through museum experiences in Singapore.
Event listings:
Tomorrow, Wednesday at Meta House, to mark International Day Against Homo- and Transphobia, an exhibition entitled The Art of Drag – “Five thoughtfully curated photo sequences capturing the essence of drag performance.” From 5 pm.
More info
Friday 19, Phnom Paint presents a painting exhibition by Olga Shkylar with wine and dessert tasting at French Wine Collection. “Most of the presented artworks are paintings in various styles that are ideal for the interior design, uplift your spirits and bring positivity into your life.” Until 25 May.
More info
This coming weekend 19, 20, 26 and 27 May – at Java Creative Café Tuol Tom Pong, an independent production of the play Wind Up Mice by Khmer playwright Samithi Sok. For more information, including ticketing, check the Facebook event here. Media: The Kumnooh Interview. Note first night is sold out already.
Saturday 20 at Sra’Art there is a closing night celebration for the Srey Art exhibition for International Women’s Day, featuring the works of Dahlia Phi, Ny Vannak, Raphaelle Martinez, Kari Podboy and Marie Hill. From 7 pm.
More info
A weekly class in life drawing for kids with Anastasia commences on Sunday 21 at Pteah Chas Community.
More info
Sunday 21 Comedy In Cambodia presents Sunday Comedown open mic at Noisy Chili Tap House, from 6 pm.
More info
Friday 26, Sra’Art presents an open mic hosted by Initial G, from 7 pm.
More info
Also Friday 26, Meta House presents Poetronica – poetry readings from Kosal Khiev, Yeng Chheangly, Chan Somnang, Choun Sopheap and Antonio Pineda, with live music by Eclectic Universe and a DJ.
Saturday 27 at Seekers Spirits is A-N-T-O-P-I-A / PAPERS – a mixed media participatory installation with performances, exhibitions and the Kampot Playboys. “Videos and photographs on urban transformation presented by Pisey Kosal, Miguel Jeronimo and Carlo Santoro will stand alongside collages and paintings by three acclaimed artists from three different generations, Suos Sodavy, Chhim Sothy and Chhan Dina. They will open perspectives on today’s life in the Cambodian cities. Also join us for a tribute to Srey Bandaul, celebrated among the founding fathers of contemporary art in Battambang province.”
Mixed Media May returns to Shophouse Studio in 2023 – there is an open call for artists to participate in an exhibition to open 31 May. Theme is Reconnecting to Nature – interaction between people and nature, the importance of nature, and architectural buildings and nature. Deadline for submissions is 27 May.
More info
The Musica Felice choir is holding auditions on 31 May and 3 June.
On 3 June at Speak Easy Theater – Comedy In Cambodia presents Ian Harvey Stone (UK). Tickets now available.
More info
8 – 10 June at Singapore Cambodia International Academy, Phnom Penh Players present Alice In Wonderland: The Musical.
More info
And coming next month to Meta House – Asia South East-Short Film Festival 2023.
Ongoing….
Exhibitions:
Chhan Dina Gallery
An on-going display of the work of Chhan Dina work from throughout her career is augmented, on a rolling schedule, with works of contemporary masters and up-and-coming painters. For appointment to view call 012 968 582.
More info
Erick Gonzalez Gallery/L’Atelier d’Erick Gonzalez
Exhibition by Tytaart (Cambodia) and Nicolas GUYOT (France). “A bridge that takes us from the visible to the imaginary, from the concrete to the conceptual, and finally from the personal to the universal.” Until 22 May.
Media: Cambodge Mag (FR)
The Gallerist
A continuously rolling collection of works by mostly Cambodian artists. Currently showing is works by André Nadal – “Zen and dynamic artworks pull us in a pondering that both calms and stimulates the spirit.”
More info
Meta House
Opening Wednesday 17 to mark International Day Against Homo- and Transphobia, an exhibition entitled The Art of Drag – “Five thoughtfully curated photo sequences capturing the essence of drag performance.”
More info
Ny Vannak
Small studio gallery in Lanka Lane, off St 51 in BKK1 featuring the work of Ny Vannak.
Visit the gallery by appointment – WhatsApp/ Telegram 099 509 412 / 0978572328
Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio. Rolling exhibitions.
Sa Sa Art Projects
Rebuild by Kong Dara, Leng Kimsreang and Soung Pheakdey on show through to 17 May.
More info
Sofitel
Tribe Cambodia presents the opening of Elements of the Lotus by Ponleu. Until end of June.
Media: Cambodge Mag (FR) Sovrin Magazine (KH) CGB Media (KH)
More info
Space Four Zero
Prints, paintings, vintage posters, pop art, CDs and vinyl. Open daily.
More info
Sra’Art
Srey Art exhibition for International Women’s Day, featuring the works of Dahlia Phi,
Ny Vannak, Raphaelle Martinez, Kari Podboy and Marie Hill. Until 20 May.
More info
Regular events, classes, sessions:
Drink & Draw every Monday at Cloud, 6.30 pm.
More info
Tuesdays, 4 – 4.45 pm at Giving Tree International School, after school art lessons by Mirasol Aguila.
Every Wednesday Comedy in Cambodia present Stand Up Social at Speak Easy Theater. 7.30 pm.
Kids Art Club, Saturdays at Botanico, presented by Sra’Art, 10 am and 11 am.
More info
N o w h e r e Art Studio
A range of arts and crafts workshops at different times. Saturday 13 May is Hand-Building Ceramics For Beginners, 10 am.
Khmer Architecture Tours conducts Sunday architecture tours in Phnom Penh to promote the understanding of modern architecture in Cambodia, focusing on buildings erected after independence in 1953, described as ‘New Khmer Architecture’, while setting these in the historical context of Phnom Penh. Here is the schedule for May.
Pteah Chas Community.
Sunday classes in life drawing for kids with Anastasia.
More info
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