Greetings:
Drop Cloth … a few things you might not know about
Tim Wallace is a Siem Reap-based artist. An exhibition of his paintings, Cambodia in Colour, opens at Good Wood Furniture and Décor this Saturday afternoon from 2 pm.
An artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is overrated:
There really isn’t an aspect of art I think is overrated . I believe all aspects of art are of equal importance. I think different artists apply them all differently or in varying degrees, but to say one is overrated would just be wrong in my eyes.
An artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is underrated:
I think basic drawing skills are underrated . I really believe behind every great painter is a great drawer. The basic pre-painting drawing is so important to create the perfect composition and use of negative and positive space. If an artist starts with a bad drawing, I bet the painting won’t be very good in the end
Did you do formal studies in art?
I attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia in the mid 1980s. In the 90s I took a half dozen college painting courses
An early art memory:
Actually two early art memories come to mind right away. 1) Selling my paintings to my parents’ friends with an occasional commission. I remember how proud I felt. 2). All the special privileges I received from my high school art teacher because she saw something in me. I actually credit her partially for helping me get to graduation day. My high school years were years of mental torment . It was my least favorite period of my life.
The last thing you had to eat:
Lemongrass chicken and rice.
When did you first come to Cambodia?
I first came to Cambodia in 2001. I went home saying Phnom Penh was my least favorite city I’d ever been to. In all fairness, I was broke, stayed in a $5 a night room and didn’t see much!! If you would have told me then that I would be living there one day, I would’ve said you were crazy!! I’ve now lived in Cambodia for 15 years in May
A book or movie you keep going back to:
The book I keep going back to is The Alchemist. A child could read the book and see the simplistic beauty of it, and an adult can read it and it could leave a very profound life changing experience. I have lived my life similar to the main character in the book. I love life’s journey!!
A country that you would like to visit:
I’ve been to many countries!! I’m looking forward to going to Central Asia ..”The Stans”
Something people might be surprised to know about you:
People might be surprised to know that I am actually a bit shy.
A question from the last participant: the language that I speak is the language of mystery. Not far away from me, from you, from what we are talking now. What languages do you speak?
I only speak English. I took a few years of French in school… and am doing online Duo Lingo now to learn Spanish .
Event listings:
Tuesday 24 at Meta House, an artist talk by by German artists Simona Koch and Lilla von Puttkamer and some of their local partners on the exhibition Listening,. “An artistic and social project that promotes plurality and democratic values in a time of increasing authoritarian tendencies. The focus is on listening: conversations with activists and thinkers in Cambodia will be conducted on site starting in 2026 and translated into live drawings.” From 7 pm. English language event.
More info
Opening on Saturday 28 at Good Wood Furniture and Décor is Cambodia in Colour, an art exhibition by Siem Reap based artist Timothy Wallace [See Drop Cloth above]. “It’s easy to get inspired here”, he says, “as there is just so much unique beauty everywhere”. Also featuring a performance by Miss Sarawan. 2 pm onwards.
More info
On Sunday 1, the grand opening of Atelier 464 in Tuol Tom Poung features exhibitions by Tamara Venn and Adam Roberts.
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Coming in the first week of March to The Last Stage is Finding Myself (In Mirages), a 90 theatrical performance in Khmer and French (with subtitles in English and French) directed by Frederic Fisbach. Four shows only.
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On March 5 at Sra’Art is the opening of Geo-Graphic, an exhibition by Rachel Goldberg, “which pairs travel-based landscapes with precise geometric forms, exploring how human structures and natural environments intersect, collide, or quietly coexist.” From 6 pm.
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On March 7, Khmer artist Thimy Leab hosts a creative workshop at Institut Francais – Learn How To Draw and Paint.
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Also on March 7, at The Box Office, Comedy in Cambodia presents Hong Kong-based comedian Mohammed Magdi with special guest Ankita Ghosh, 7.30 pm. Then on March 8 at the same location, Laughternoon: International Women’s Day special from 2 pm.
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Phnom Penh Players present Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None with shows on March 13, 14, 20 and 21.
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Coming on March 19 to Rosewood Phnom Penh is Tonle to Treeline, an exhibition of works by Anya Minko, Ouk Chimvichet and Hom Rith. “A journey through Cambodia’s landscapes, from river to forest.”
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Ongoing….
Exhibitions:
Bophana Center
Am I Lost?, an exhibition by painter Chea Sereyroth. “Through layered visual elements, the work reflects personal memories and emotional landscapes, offering visitors a contemplative journey into the artist’s inner world.”
More info
Erick Gonzalez Gallery
The Essential, an exhibition of photographs by Steve Porte. “The photographs selected by Erick González for this exhibition focus primarily on Cambodia and are brought together around several recurring elements in Steve Porte’s work: identity, social belonging, family and social bonds, and, more subtly, the country’s silent drama. Something in his work inevitably leads us to reflect on the lives, environments, and historical context of the people portrayed. The exhibition is mainly composed of photographs by Steve Porte and is complemented by the permanent exhibition of Erick González, featuring paintings, photographs, installations, and objects.”
More info
The Gallerist
Touk Teuv Kampong Neuv, by painter Chhim Sothy and photographer Jean-Francois Perigois. “Through photography and painting, the exhibition explores Cambodia’s evolving landscapes, where water, land, and human presence are in constant dialogue. Touk Teuv, Kampong Neuv reflects on transformation, memory, and the fragile balance between tradition and rapid urban change.” From 6 pm. Until March 8.
More info
Institut Francais
An exhibition by illustrator Sera. “Through his original artwork and reproductions of selected illustrations, (re)discover Sera’s iconic projects as a cartoonist, his work on The Anarchist, and the first glimpses of his upcoming book.”
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Meta House
Listening, by German artists Simona Koch and Lilla von Puttkamer. “An artistic and social project that promotes plurality and democratic values in a time of increasing authoritarian tendencies. The focus is on listening: conversations with activists and thinkers in Cambodia will be conducted on site starting in 2026 and translated into live drawings.” An artist talk will be held on Tuesday 24 at 7 pm.
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. Currently on display is Cambodians on Photographs: Faces Through Time, an exhibition featuring works by Choun Sopheap, Steven Gargadennec, Colin Grafton, Dylan Maddux, Sharon May, Roland Neveu and Steve Porte, alongside images from the book Photography in Cambodia by Nicholas Coffill.
More info
Plantation
Duong’s Forest, an exhibition by Vietnamese artist Hoang Duong Bui, “a contemplative series in which the forest is envisioned as both a physical landscape and an inner realm. ”
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Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem Reap)
Current artist in residence is DinArt.
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The River Gallery (Siem Reap)
HOLY: 25 Cambodian Artists Defining Contemporary Discourse. “This exhibition represents a sacred space, hosting 25 Cambodians from ten different provinces across the country. Many of the artists have relocated to larger cities from their homelands, yet their stories echo their upbringing. The works presented here reflect what each deems holy—whether a deeply felt experience, a facet of something larger, or a tangible symbol of inspiration.” Artists exhibiting: Soeng Set, Sophany Sor, Soben Hour, Channarak Thy, Narath Sorm, Kosal Son, Salone Lon, Zak Houes, Karona Hoeuy, Ponleu Prom, Kanha Hul, Prum Ero, Ratha Sengly, Touch Khchao, Hak Bor, Sophy Sou, Channy Chhoeun, Sopheak Lach, Chear Morn, Seyha Hour, Rida Srun, Sary Nou, Daro Nout, Choulay Mech and Kaeu Sreypeou.
More info
Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio. Rolling exhibitions. Media: Le Petit Journal (FR)(June 2025)
R5 Showroom Phnom Penh
The Dominoes of War exhibition by Seyha Hour. “The artist’s engagement with the theme of war began in 2022, when Russia started invasion of Ukraine. It deepened in 2024 with the genocidal war waged by Israel in Gaza, and fully took shape in 2025 during the conflict with Thailand along the Cambodian border. During this time, the artist was directly affected: his village in Oddar Meanchey region, near Ta Krabei temple, and members of his family fighting on the front line, were trapped in the violence. This intense period led to the creation of a dozen paintings, produced feverishly in less than a month.”
More info
Rosewood Phnom Penh
TRIBE Cambodia presents Seven, featuring the worksworks of seven artists, marking seven years of Tribe and seven years of Rosewood. The artists featured are Findac, Chan Dany, Nak Noy, Ponleu, Tito Educk, Tor Vutha and Li Mingh.
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Silapak Trotchaek Pneik / YK Art House
House on Fire, story and photography by V. Rattana. Until April 30.
Sosoro – Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum
The current temporary exhibition is Into the Light: the retrieved painting of Phnom Penh’s Silver Pagoda, paintings rediscovered in the Preah Keo Morkot Church. Open daily (except Monday) from 9 am – 6 pm.
SNA Arts Management
Cycle of Life, an exhibition by Tith Kanitha. Until 20 March.
More info
Space Four Zero
Art gallery and vinyl lounge featuring prints, paintings, vintage posters, pop art, books, CDs and rare vinyl, collectables and groovy gifts. Open daily at new premises at #25 Street 240 near Street 19 (by The Shop and Red Apron)
More info
Stairwell Gallery
Collide: Bold Colours. Zero Boundaries. “An exhibition where typography, graphic design, and contemporary art crash together in a vibrant fusion of bold colour and fearless creativity.” Featuring works Ket Monnyreak, Alex Maul and Bruce McLean.
More info
Tribe Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Permanent showroom for works of Nak Noy.
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Regular events, classes, sessions:
N o w h e r e Art Studio (relocated to Maloop) occasional workshops. Next is on February 28 – Hand-Building Ceramics at Escape Music Festival, Maloop.
More info
No Frame Party hosts weekend art workshops in a variety of forms at venues around Phnom Penh.
More Flamingos present art workshops on Tuesday evenings from 6.30 pm at WILD.
More info
Thursdays to Sundays at K’Atelier – art classes for all levels of experience.
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A weekly class in life drawing for kids with Anastasia at Pteah Chas Community.
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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 December 2025 – March 2026.
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.
Send a ‘subscribe’ email to fabianhipp@kumnooh.com to receive Kumnooh in your inbox every Tuesday lunchtime.
Are we missing something? Let us know at fabianhipp@kumnooh.com.
See you about…
Fabian Hipp
Kumnooh
fabianhipp@kumnooh.com
Department of Mutual Support: Friends of LengPleng (and Kumnooh too)
Crossing over from our sister site LengPleng are supporters YK Art House and Space Four Zero. For less than 6,000 riel a week you too could have your venue/business promoted deep into the arts audience; or you might just like to support the work being done by these two entities who trawl Facebook so you don’t have to. For more information: fabianhipp@kumnooh.com / gigs@lengpleng.com, or bail up Scoddy wherever you see him.
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