Greetings:
Drop Cloth – a few things you might not know about
Troy Campbell. A fine drummer and painter – not an obvious combination on its face, but one that is very natural to him: “I’ve always been drawn to mark making,” he says. “And that, to me, is drumming, that’s percussion. The brush and the drumstick, the dexterity – they’re really close, and really analogous.” After stints in Hong Kong and South Korea, Troy returned to Cambodia earlier this year and will host his first show in Phnom Penh in a while, East Bound and Down, at Blue Hearts near Psar Bang Keng Kang on Friday from 6 pm. The show features work heavily influenced by his time in Asia, particularly in Korea.
Is there an artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is overrated?
Talent is a troublesome word. What many would call “talent” is more often than not a skill set developed by very hard work, discipline and practice.
Is there an artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is underrated?
So many artists, for sure. Especially here in Cambodia. I do not know many people who work harder than Chhan Dina.
An early art memory?
I was an incredibly shy kid that had trouble communicating (still do, to be honest). Being able to draw pictures of Evel Kneivel or the band KISS or even imitating the comic strips and animation I grew up with won me a bit of street cred.
The last thing you had to eat?
Takeaway veggie pizza from Pizzeria Matteo. So good!
Where did you do your studies?
University of South Carolina, for both music and art, University of Georgia and my backyard college, now called Augusta University. I am a bit of a vagabond. What was then Augusta College was the most difficult and most rigorous. I also attended the Vermont Studio Center back in my long hair, Doc Martin days.
When did you first come to Cambodia?
December of 2012. I came here as a volunteer English teacher who had become smitten with a Professor Kinsky remix of a Cambodian Space Project track. A CD purchased in Singapore while I was on leave from the US Army changed my life.
A book or movie you keep going back to?
Book – A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole. Movie – Raising Arizona.
What languages do you speak?
Does reading music count?
A country that you would like to visit?
I have to admit that I am really homesick. I know that when and if I return to the States it will be a different place from the one I left eight years ago.
Something people might be surprised to know about you?
I served in the United States Army. It is what initially brought me to Asia.
What advice would you give to a young artist starting out?
Something that Steve Martin once said: “Be so good that they cannot ignore you”. My take from that is you simply have to put in the hours. Not 10,000 hours as Malcom Gladwell wrote, more like 80,000 and it is a lifetime process. Not that it is toil. You can make it gratifying.
A question from the last participant: what is your favourite thing, and why?
Like a prized possession? Hmmmm…. I suppose my favourite thing really is having a beer with a friend and having conversations like these.
Event listings:
Tonight, Tuesday, at Sra’Art is the closing event for Chaotic Harmony, an art exhibition by Anya Minko. “Anya’s debut solo exhibition displays vibrant, free-flowing paintings that merge abstract expressionism, cubism, and surrealism with street art influences. Each piece in this collection is an experiment inspired by the one before, evolving organically with overlapping figures and intricate linework that unravel complex narratives. Her art moves fluidly from one idea to the next, with bold colors and dynamic shapes layering together, inviting viewers into a multi-dimensional exploration of form, emotion, and perspective.” Media: Phnom Penh Post
More info
Wednesday 20, at Java Café Tuol Tom Pong sees an event to open In Between Breaths, an exhibition of photographic images by Eleonore Sok, “both as a performer and in collaboration with other performance artists including New Cambodian Artists and Eric Ellul. These works explore the intersection of performance, visual art and poetry, where the internal world is breathed into the physical experience.” There will also be a reading of Eleonore’s poetry. From 6 pm.
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Wednesday 20 at Ambar in Siem Reap and Saturday 23 at Speak Easy Theater/The Box Office, performances by American comedian Joel Bryant. “His translatable style, audience interaction and off-the-cuff energy make him a go-to on stages from big theaters to churches and backyards. You never know where he’s going next…and he rarely does either!” Both shows 7.30 pm.
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Opening on Thursday 21 is Photo Phnom Penh Festival 2024, the 15th edition, by Photo Phnom Penh Association. Until December 21 events will be held at at the French Institute, Studio Images, Factory Phnom Penh, Bophana Center, Friends Futures Factory, Java Creative Café, Sra’Art Gallery, Duo Coffee, and The Peak. View the full programme here.
Also opening on Thursday 21 at The Gallerist is Looking Forward, an exhibition by painter Chov Theanly. “This new series is following one of his earlier projects, Surviving – The Rise, which he began in 2012. Looking Forward explores the power of dreams — how having our own dreams gives us the strength to move forward in life.” From 10 am.
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Opening on Friday 22 at Blue Hearts on St 398 near Psar Bang Keng Kang is East Bound and Down, an exhibition of new works by Troy Campbell, as featured in Drop Cloth above. From 6 pm. Media: LengPleng
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On Saturday 23 at Pteah Chas is the opening of In the Stillness: Echoes of a Suppressed Past, by Myanmar artist Naw Nan Noan Hom. “Each photograph features a unique style, transforming the landscape into monochromatic tones while keeping living subjects vibrantly colored, symbolizing the contrasts in her personal journey. This exhibition combines photography, poetry, and experimental sound art, reflecting shared struggles of expression and resilience witnessed in Cambodia.”
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Angkor Photo Festival is making an open call for photographers interested in being involved in the 20th annual festival, which will be held 7 – 15 February 2025 in Siem Reap. “There are no restrictions on theme or genre. We seek work which reveals, informs, or evokes; giving us a deeper understanding of our individual and collective existence. We accept both stills and video work (under 5 mins). This open call is for all nationalities. There is no submission fee.”
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Coming on December 5, 6 and 7, Phnom Penh Players’ performances Arthur Miller’sA View From A Bridge at Blue Chili Bar. Ticket information is at their Facebook page.
Ongoing….
Exhibitions:
Anantara Angkor Resort (Siem Reap)
Kbach Comeback, a solo exhibition by artist Kanika. “Khmer Kbach refers specifically to the ornamentation often seen above doorways and on ancient temples. It also entails certain movements, such as those of the traditional Apsara dancers, and is seen as conveying a spiritual.”
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Blue Hearts
East Bound and Down, an exhibition of new works by Troy Campbell opens Friday 22.Media: LengPleng
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FT Gallery
Dream Odyssey, an exhibition of paintings by Battambang artist Seyha Hour. “In Dream Odyssey, he invites you on a dreamlike exploration of the subconscious, weaving together mystical scenes that transcend time and space. This series promises to evoke emotions and provoke thought, delving into themes that resonate deeply within the Khmer society.” Until 1 December.
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The Gallerist
Continuously rolling collection of works by mostly Cambodian artists. Looking Forward, an exhibition by painter Chov Theanly, opens Thursday 21. “This new series is following one of his earlier projects, Surviving – The Rise, which he began in 2012. Looking Forward explores the power of dreams — how having our own dreams gives us the strength to move forward in life.”
More info
MiMü
Mini-Museum of Contemporary Art at Meta House features research, knowledge sharing, workshops, and visual presentations through various media, showcasing videos, prints, installations, and fine arts through interactive events and live performances.
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The Plantation
Happy Painting: The Joyful Art of Stef, an exhibition by Stephane Delapree. Until 21 November. Media: Cambodia Lifestyle
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, in partnership with Tribe Cambodia, has opened an exhibition of works by Khmer artists that will run to the end of the year, featuring a rotation of leading Cambodian artists displayed in public areas of the hotel. Currently showing is Empire, the new solo show by artist Nak Noy. Until 12 December. Media: Kiripost
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Raintree
Modern Architecture: Echoes and Reflections, “a major exhibition dedicated to exploring the rich heritage and lasting impact of the New Khmer Architecture movement, in collaboration with the Vann Molyvann Project and NK-A. The exhibition presents rare, previously unseen architectural materials from the Vann Molyvann Project and the Vann Molyvann Private Collection, showcasing eight pivotal yet lesser seen projects by nine Cambodian and international architects. Alongside these, the exhibition features contemporary artworks inspired by this architectural legacy, created by seven local and regional artists.” Until 2 December, 8 am to 6 pm Monday – Saturday.
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The River Gallery (Siem Reap)
On the Inside, a solo exhibition of paintings by Sor Sophany.
Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio. Rolling exhibitions.
Pteah Chas
In the Stillness: Echoes of a Suppressed Past, by Myanmar artist Naw Nan Noan Hom opens on Saturday 23. “Each photograph features a unique style, transforming the landscape into monochromatic tones while keeping living subjects vibrantly colored, symbolizing the contrasts in her personal journey. This exhibition combines photography, poetry, and experimental sound art, reflecting shared struggles of expression and resilience witnessed in Cambodia.”
More info
Space Four Zero
Prints, paintings, vintage posters, pop art, CDs and vinyl. Open daily.
More info
Sra’Art
Chaotic Harmony, an art exhibition by Anya Minko. “Anya’s debut solo exhibition displays vibrant, free-flowing paintings that merge abstract expressionism, cubism, and surrealism with street art influences. Each piece in this collection is an experiment inspired by the one before, evolving organically with overlapping figures and intricate linework that unravel complex narratives. Her art moves fluidly from one idea to the next, with bold colors and dynamic shapes layering together, inviting viewers into a multi-dimensional exploration of form, emotion, and perspective.” Media: Phnom Penh Post
More info
Tribe Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Reopened in their new location, 655 Hup Guan Street. Media: Kiripost
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Villa Gallery
Through The Lens, a new solo exhibition by Chhim Sothy. Until 20 November. “The exhibition explores a rich tapestry of societal and human experiences across various settings—urban life, rural landscapes, natural scenery, mountains, the lives of fishermen, and the essence of Buddhism. Chhim Sothy captures the beauty and complexity of nature and life all around us, transforming these scenes into art that resonates deeply with the viewer.”
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Regular events, classes, sessions:
More Flamingos present art workshops on Thursday evenings from 6.30 pm at WILD
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Thursdays to Sundays at K’Atelier – art classes for all levels of experience.
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N o w h e r e Art Studio
A range of arts and crafts workshops mostly on weekends.
A weekly class in life drawing for kids with Anastasia at Pteah Chas Community.
More info
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 August – December 2024.
Kumnooh was established in May 2013 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 comedy.
Perhaps you would consider becoming a Friend of Kumnooh, where we ask venues, artists and/or individuals to show their support by making a small monetary contribution (12 months for $75, six months for $40 or three months for $25) to keep the lights on and to increase our coverage with articles and mini-profiles. In return you receive a boost in promotion, including a non-Facebook web page on our site for direct contact with the dedicated arts audience. 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.
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Fabian Hipp
Kumnooh
fabianhipp@kumnooh.com
Kumnooh 