Thursday 6 from 6 pm at Chhan Dina Gallery – works of Dina and Sou Sodavy. 6 pm – 9 pm.
Friday 7 at Sa Sa Art Projects, a lecture by Sam I-Shan: Black Box White Cube: Decoding Video Art and Artists’ Films, as part of This event is part of the public program of the exhibition Myth in Motion. From 6 pm, English language event with Khmer interpretation.
On Saturday 8, the soft launch of Air Gallery by Sra’Art at Factory Phnom Penh. “We are also thrilled to invite both Cambodian and international artists to apply for our studio space on a ( 3-month ) time slot, followed by an epic launch party to celebrate their artistic journey. Express your interest and let your artistic spirit soar! Join us for Kids’ Art Club, open studio exhibitions, art installations and launch parties.” 10 am – 5 pm. More info
For its next project, La Troupe de Théâtre Francophone de Phnom Penh is looking for two male actors, ideally aged 25 – 40 for one and 50 – 65 for the other. A demanding schedule of 20 rehearsals between late November and January with performances 18, 19 and 20 January 2024.
At the end of July 2023, dance company Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA will host two nights of performances featuring original choreography from Chakra, Chamreoun, Chay, Sopharoth, and Venghour. They have launched a crowdsourcing campaign to support the project. Support their fundraising campaign here.
The 6th annual Khmer Literature Festival is coming soon – watch this space, and this one too.
Java Creative Café’s new project, in conjunction with We Film Lab and RUUB Studio, will be an exhibition of Cambodian film photography to take place from October. They are currently calling for submissions on the theme of nostalgia – find out more at their website. Deadline for submissions is 31 August.
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
The Gallerist A continuously rolling collection of works by mostly Cambodian artists. Currently showing is works by Chhan Dina, Nak Noy, Stan, Chhim Sothy, DinArt and Thun Dina. More info
Hotel Old Cinema (Kampot) Kaleidoscope, an exhibition of prints by Tamara Venn celebrating Cambodian wildlife.
Meta House The Trap of Life – a new exhibition by Battambang born painter Sou Sophy. “Trap of Life consists of 24 pieces made out of plywood, recycled paper and glue with a strong environmental message. The works focus on how humans impact the physical environment in many ways, such as pollution, burning fossil fuels, deforestation and poaching.” 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
Shophouse Studio/Pteah Chas A Cosmic Assemblage: Collision, “an extraordinary collection of transcendental pieces that illuminate the profound life interpretations of Cambodian American multidisciplinary artist, Chummeng Soun.” Until 31 July. More info
Sa Sa Art Projects Myth in Motion, a video art exhibition by featuring five international women artists – Martha Atienza (Philippines), Ana María Millán (Colombia), Thao Nguyen Phan (Vietnam), Ana Vaz (Brazil) and Connie Zheng (US). Until 12 August. More info
Space Four Zero Prints, paintings, vintage posters, pop art, CDs and vinyl. Open daily. More info
Sra’Art Becoming. “This poetic exhibition from three friend artists: the paintings of Rena Chheang, the surrealist mixed-media pieces of Dahlia Phirun, the poems of Miguel Jeronimo – explore the themes of vulnerability, human form, inner conflicts and the discomfort and contradictory joys of writing our own identity. The relentless necessity for self-actualisation and embracing what we can be. 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 May. [Note: waiting for update]
Kumnooh was originally 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.
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.
Drop Cloth … a few things you might not know about…
Jose Antonio Pineda. Poet, actor, dancer, writer, singer – Frisco Tony, as he is also known, is more active in the arts in Phnom Penh than many individuals a fraction of his age. This Friday he is taking part in Poetronica 2 at Meta House – an on-going experiment in the fusion of poetry with electronic music, video and other effects. “They’re taking a multimedia approach, to make poetry readings less boring,” he says. “Nico [Mesterharm, Meta House director] thinks it’s important to make it into a performance that is evolving itself, to bring poetry to the people, to make the audience involved and interested.”
An aspect of the poetic arts that you think is overrated: The first person confessional poetry format is both overused and overrated. I prefer third person poetry, narrative poetry, other forms of poetic expression. The first person confessional poetry peaked with Jack Kerouac, John Berryman, Delmore Schwartz, and young people today use the format because it’s easy and accessible but not necessarily poetic.
An aspect of the poetic arts that you think is underrated: Generational art movements, like the Beats, the Surrealists, the Existentialists – they all continue to inspire. Today there’s not so much that is generational, everything is done in an individualist manner – it’s not about working together. My greatest inspiration when I was a young kid in the Haight Ashbury with the Straight Theatre, and we produced a poetry reading for Michael McClure called The Ghost Tantra, and I was given the honour of introducing Michael on stage. Through Michael I met Jim Morrison and Richard Brautigan – he was trying to create a generational movement for us younger people, which took me a long time to grasp.
An early memory of poetry: When I was younger there was a little movement in the low-rent neighbourhoods in San Francisco, the Haight Ashbury, North Beach – I call them Neo-beats, because they weren’t hippies yet and they weren’t really Beats, they were post-Beat. They had poetry readings and block parties and a lot of small printing presses like Illuminations that were publishing local poets. A lot of really good people came out of that, like Ed Bullins, the Black playwright, who was part of Black Arts West. I remember meeting Carolyn Cassady, wife of Neil Cassady. Many people were passing through there at the time who came to be important or influence in the future, but they weren’t defined yet. It was really, really a great time.
The last thing you had to eat: Burger and fries at Tacos Kokopelli.
Where did you get your start as a poet? Michael McClure inspired me to write – he was very kind, he would give me advice. Richard Brautigan also was very, very kind and very interested in what young people were doing at the time. It took me a long while to get into the format of writing – I learned a lot about writing from doing cinema reviews, going around to film festivals, and sooner or later I developed a certain style, and my poetry started to grow, and my prose is in evolution right now. I have a little project called Once Upon A Time in San Francisco that’s receiving some attention and I hope to have that in publication some time soon.
When did you first come to Cambodia? 2012. I was here for two days, and I was quickly invited by Dana Langlois of Java Café to be part of a reading night. It was quite a shock to see that there was such a nice culture going on here, and I thought this must be a great place to be.
A book or movie you keep going back to: I can’t get enough of La Dolce Vita. It really inspired me, the whole Fellini concept, the acting, the episodic nature of the film, and how it managed to involve the arts and music and literature and cinema in one work. I’ve seen it dozens of times. The other I’ve seen many times is, funnily enough, The Girl Can’t Help It – one of what we used to call jukebox movies, the MTV of the time. Jayne Mansfield and Little Richard and Eddie Cochran, all the old 50s rock’n’roll stars. Completely the opposite of an art film like La Dolce Vita.
What languages do you speak? English and Spanish. Taxi and café French and Italian.
A country that you would like to visit: Greece. I think I would like to live in Greece. I heard a story of a Greek-American from New York, in his 60s he was told he had terminal cancer so he went to Greece to live out his days. When he gets to Greece it’s all olive oil and wine and great food and people living with several generations all around. He’s 87 now. I think it must be a pretty nice place.
Something people might be surprised to know about you: My first flamenco dance teacher was a beautiful lady named Teresita Osta who was quite famous. She danced everywhere, she worked in movies in LA, and she was just a beautiful person. I realise now that I never really got the handle on her. Recently somebody posted on Facebook a picture of her – she just died at age 90 or something, went to the grave looking gorgeous.
A question from the last participant: Have you ever failed at what you do? How hard did you fail and how did you bounce back? I failed a lot, especially going through the auditioning process. You have to take it in your stride and get on with it. As far as writing is concerned it’s a learning process anyway. I learned a lot from writing little books and stories and poetry. It’s not so much that you learn what to do, it’s that you learn what not to do, and that’s pretty important. You really notice that in film – learn what not to do, and that makes what you do more important. It’s the same with writing.
Event listings:
Tonight, Tuesday 27 at Meta House, the opening of mixed media exhibition Go With The Flow. “Public transport is the obvious way forward if we are to ensure that Phnom Penh is livable in the future. Meta House and Metaestetica Lab team up for an art exhibition project, which reflects the local communities’ unique aesthetic, environmental, scenic, historical, and cultural values. Mixed-media art by professional artists will be exhibited alongside collages, which have been conceived during two workshops with Italian architect and urban designer Carlo Santoro. We thank our young Cambodian participants from the Cambodian Children Fund and Sunrise, as well as their facilitators.” From 6 pm. More info
Friday 30 at Sa Sa Art Projects, an artist talk by Jean Alex, as part of their Pisaot experimental residency program, June – July 2023. “Jean Alex is working on various kinds of projects, design, videos, ceramics, art installations. He is a creative mediator working in collaboration with people and local contexts. He co-founded a Khmer French cultural association called POUMA’KHMER, that aims to create a space promoting and celebrating past, present and future stories of the Cambodian diaspora in France. Fulling a long process identity quest, he wants to create a link between the different cultural spaces that he is evolving through.” From 6 pm, English language event with Khmer interpretation. More info
Friday 30 Meta House presents Poetronica 2 featuring poets Kosal Khiev, Yeng Chheangly, Chan Samnang, Choun Sopheap, Miguel Jeronimo, Jose Antonio Pineda along with music from Eclectic Universe. From 7 pm. More info
On Saturday 1, Pteah Chas presents the opening of A Cosmic Assemblage: Collision, “an extraordinary collection of transcendental pieces that illuminate the profound life interpretations of Cambodian American multidisciplinary artist, Chummeng Soun.” From 7 pm, runs until 31 July. More info
On 7 July at Sa Sa Art Projects, a lecture by Sam I-Shan: Black Box White Cube: Decoding Video Art and Artists’ Films, as part of This event is part of the public program of the exhibition Myth in Motion. From 6 pm, English language event with Khmer interpretation. More info
For its next project, La Troupe de Théâtre Francophone de Phnom Penh is looking for two male actors, ideally aged 25 – 40 for one and 50 – 65 for the other. A demanding schedule of 20 rehearsals between late November and January with performances 18, 19 and 20 January 2024.
At the end of July 2023, dance company Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA will host two nights of performances featuring original choreography from Chakra, Chamreoun, Chay, Sopharoth, and Venghour. They have launched a crowdsourcing campaign to support the project. Support their fundraising campaign here.
The 6th annual Khmer Literature Festival is coming soon – watch this space, and this one too.
Java Creative Café’s new project, in conjunction with We Film Lab and RUUB Studio, will be an exhibition of Cambodian film photography to take place from October. They are currently calling for submissions on the theme of nostalgia – find out more at their website. Deadline for submissions is 31 August.
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
The Gallerist A continuously rolling collection of works by mostly Cambodian artists. Currently showing is works by Chhan Dina, Nak Noy, Stan, Chhim Sothy, DinArt and Thun Dina. More info
Hotel Old Cinema (Kampot) Kaleidoscope, an exhibition of prints by Tamara Venn celebrating Cambodian wildlife.
Meta House Mixed media exhibition Go With The Flow. “Public transport is the obvious way forward if we are to ensure that Phnom Penh is livable in the future. Meta House and Metaestetica Lab team up for an art exhibition project, which reflects the local communities’ unique aesthetic, environmental, scenic, historical, and cultural values. Mixed-media art by professional artists will be exhibited alongside collages, which have been conceived during two workshops with Italian architect and urban designer Carlo Santoro.” 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
A Cosmic Assemblage: Collision, “an extraordinary collection of transcendental pieces that illuminate the profound life interpretations of Cambodian American multidisciplinary artist, Chummeng Soun.” Opens on 1 July from 7 pm, runs until 31 July. More info
Sa Sa Art Projects Myth in Motion, a video art exhibition by featuring five international women artists – Martha Atienza (Philippines), Ana María Millán (Colombia), Thao Nguyen Phan (Vietnam), Ana Vaz (Brazil) and Connie Zheng (US). Until 12 August. More info
Space Four Zero Prints, paintings, vintage posters, pop art, CDs and vinyl. Open daily. More info
Sra’Art Becoming. “This poetic exhibition from three friend artists: the paintings of Rena Chheang, the surrealist mixed-media pieces of Dahlia Phirun, the poems of Miguel Jeronimo – explore the themes of vulnerability, human form, inner conflicts and the discomfort and contradictory joys of writing our own identity. The relentless necessity for self-actualisation and embracing what we can be. More info
Wednesdays to Sundays at K’Atelier – art classes for all levels of experience. Coming soon: 28 June, Create with Watercolours; 29 June, Art Journaling, 30 June, Neurographic Art
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. [Note: waiting for June update]
Kumnooh was originally 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.
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.
Tuesday 20 at 6 pm at Bophana Center a lecture by Var Sovannrath on the book Mahabharata with Khmer Art and Society. Copies will be available for sale. More info
Tuesday 20 from 7 pm Apple Tree Productions presents the June edition of “SING” – a celebration of musical theatre at The Box Office. “Event open to one and all. Seating inside is limited so come early.” For more about Apple Tree Productions and their events see last week’s feature interview. More info
Friday 23 at 6.30 pm, Sra’Art hosts a wine and art pairing. Tickets limited. More info
Saturday 24 from noon at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, as part of the closing of Ponleu’s exhibition Elements of the Lotus, you can have a kimono custom painted – also live painting. More info
Saturday 24 The Speakeasy Theatre presents two LGBTQ charity shows – 7.30 pm and 9 pm – tickets $7.50 with all proceeds going to A Place to be Yourself, a Siem Reap community centre. More info On Sunday 25 at Raffles Le Royal, a piano recital by Lee Jae Phang with music by Schubert and Debussy. 7 pm. More info
Sunday 25 from 6 pm at Chhan Dina Gallery – works of Dina and Sou Sodavy.
27 June at Meta House, the opening of mixed media exhibition Go With The Flow. “Public transport is the obvious way forward if we are to ensure that Phnom Penh is livable in the future. Meta House and Metaestetica Lab team up for an art exhibition project, which reflects the local communities’ unique aesthetic, environmental, scenic, historical, and cultural values. Mixed-media art by professional artists will be exhibited alongside collages, which have been conceived during two workshops with Italian architect and urban designer Carlo Santoro. We thank our young Cambodian participants from the Cambodian Children Fund and Sunrise, as well as their facilitators.” From 6 pm.
On 30 June Meta House presents Poetronica 2 featuring poets Kosal Khiev, Yeng Chheangly, Chan Samnang, Choun Sopheap, Miguel Jeronimo, Jose Antonio Pineda along with music from Eclectic Universe. More info
At the end of July 2023, dance company Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA will host two nights of performances featuring original choreography from Chakra, Chamreoun, Chay, Sopharoth, and Venghour. They have launched a crowdsourcing campaign to support the project. Support their fundraising campaign here.
The 6th annual Khmer Literature Festival is coming soon – watch this space, and this one too.
Java Creative Café’s new project, in conjunction with We Film Lab and RUUB Studio, will be an exhibition of Cambodian film photography to take place from October. They are currently calling for submissions on the theme of nostalgia – find out more at their website. Deadline for submissions is 31 August.
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
The Gallerist A continuously rolling collection of works by mostly Cambodian artists. Currently showing is works by Chhan Dina, Nak Noy, Stan, Chhim Sothy, DinArt and Thun Dina. More info
Hotel Old Cinema (Kampot) Kaleidoscope, an exhibition of prints by Tamara Venn celebrating Cambodian wildlife.
Meta House The Trap of Life – a new exhibition by Battambang born painter Sou Sophy. “Trap of Life consists of 24 pieces made out of plywood, recycled paper and glue with a strong environmental message. The works focus on how humans impact the physical environment in many ways, such as pollution, burning fossil fuels, deforestation and poaching.” 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
Shophouse Studio/Pteah Chas Living with Nature, an exhibition by Jessy An. “Living with Nature is a solo exhibition of digital artwork that aims to capture the essence of living happily in nature. Artists always create masterpieces that showcase the beauty and uniqueness of each living being and its harmony in nature through the use of color diversity and embracing the beauty of nature as a foundation. The exhibition chronicles the artist Jesse’s journey, revealing the evolution of his artwork, the obstacles she overcame before reaching the creation of today’s masterpieces.” Until 25 June. More info
Sa Sa Art Projects Myth in Motion, a video art exhibition by featuring five international women artists – Martha Atienza (Philippines), Ana María Millán (Colombia), Thao Nguyen Phan (Vietnam), Ana Vaz (Brazil) and Connie Zheng (US). Until 12 August. More info
Space Four Zero Prints, paintings, vintage posters, pop art, CDs and vinyl. Open daily. More info
Sra’Art Becoming. “This poetic exhibition from three friend artists: the paintings of Rena Chheang, the surrealist mixed-media pieces of Dahlia Phirun, the poems of Miguel Jeronimo – explore the themes of vulnerability, human form, inner conflicts and the discomfort and contradictory joys of writing our own identity. The relentless necessity for self-actualisation and embracing what we can be. 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 May. [Note: waiting for June update]
Kumnooh was originally 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.
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.
Apple Tree Productions International, founded in Phnom Penh in May 2022, put on the first edition of their first project, “SPEAK”, the following month. After a year of successful events, Kumnooh spoke to co-founder Cat Isaacs to shed some more light on “SPEAK” and what’s behind it.
““SPEAK” is a spoken word/poetry platform for the showcasing of original work by poets from any background – local, expat, travelling through – once a month at Botanico, where we get the words off the paper and transform them into speech.”
On Wednesday 14, for three hours only at Pi-Pet-Pi Gallery, The Extended Dimensions of Space, an immersive laser show by Metaestetica, in parallel with the Battambang Street Festival 2023. From 6.30 pm. More info
Thursday 15, Meta House hosts the Phnom Penh Players’Story Slam. 7 pm. “The prompt is any story relating to food, no matter how delicious or disgusting. Every performer gets the spotlight and microphone for six minutes. The audience decides the best story.” More info
Friday 16 from 6 pm, Chhan Dina Gallery will be open showing a variety of works by active artists. More info
Friday 16 Sra’Art presents a wine and art pairing event, from 7.30 pm. $30 for two hour tour. More info
Sunday 18 at Pteah Chas from 6 pm, the opening of a digital art exhibition by Jessy An, Living With Nature. “The exhibition is a journal of Jessy’s art journey, in which you can see how her work progressed, the challenges and emotions she overcame along the way before becoming the current series. The artist found comfort in nature, and it helped her heal, which greatly influenced her artwork. She aspires to convey the wonder of the natural world, the tranquility and joy that nature has bestowed upon us.” More info
On 24 June The Speakeasy Theatre presents two LGBTQ charity shows – 7.30 pm and 9 pm – tickets $7.50 with all proceeds going to A Place to be Yourself, a Siem Reap community centre. More info
On 25 June at Raffles Le Royal, a piano recital by Lee Jae Phang with music by Schubert and Debussy. 7 pm. More info
On 30 June Meta House presents Poetronica 2 featuring poets Kosal Khiev, Yeng Chheangly, Chan Samnang, Choun Sopheap, Miguel Jeronimo, Jose Antonio Pineda along with music from Eclectic Universe. More info
At the end of July 2023, dance company Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA will host two nights of performances featuring original choreography from Chakra, Chamreoun, Chay, Sopharoth, and Venghour. They have launched a crowdsourcing campaign to support the project. Support their fundraising campaign here.
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
The Gallerist
A continuously rolling collection of works by mostly Cambodian artists. Currently showing is works by Chhan Dina, Nak Noy, Stan, Chhim Sothy, DinArt and Thun Dina. More info
Hotel Old Cinema (Kampot) Kaleidoscope, an exhibition of prints by Tamara Venn celebrating Cambodian wildlife.
Meta House The Trap of Life – a new exhibition by Battambang born painter Sou Sophy. “Trap of Life consists of 24 pieces made out of plywood, recycled paper and glue with a strong environmental message. The works focus on how humans impact the physical environment in many ways, such as pollution, burning fossil fuels, deforestation and poaching.” 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
Shophouse Studio/Pteah Chas
Group art exhibition Mixed Media MayII on the theme of Reconnecting to Nature – interaction between people and nature, the importance of nature, and architectural buildings and nature. Until 14 June. More info
Sa Sa Art Projects Myth in Motion, a video art exhibition by featuring five international women artists – Martha Atienza (Philippines), Ana María Millán (Colombia), Thao Nguyen Phan (Vietnam), Ana Vaz (Brazil) and Connie Zheng (US). 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 May. [Note: waiting for June update]
Kumnooh was originally 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.
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.
Tonight, Tuesday 6, 6 pm at Meta House, The Trap of Life – the opening of a new exhibition by Battambang born painter Sou Sophy. “Trap of Life consists of 24 pieces made out of plywood, recycled paper and glue with a strong environmental message. The works focus on how humans impact the physical environment in many ways, such as pollution, burning fossil fuels, deforestation and poaching.”
Wednesday 7 at Sa Sa Art Projects, the opening of Myth in Motion, a video art exhibition by five international women artists – Martha Atienza (Philippines), Ana María Millán (Colombia), Thao Nguyen Phan (Vietnam), Ana Vaz (Brazil) and Connie Zheng (US). 6 – 8 pm. More info
Also Wednesday 7, Sra’Art presents the opening of Becoming. “This poetic exhibition from three friend artists: the paintings of Rena Chheang, the surrealist mixed-media pieces of Dahlia Phirun, the poems of Miguel Jeronimo – explore the themes of vulnerability, human form, inner conflicts and the discomfort and contradictory joys of writing our own identity. The relentless necessity for self-actualisation and embracing what we can be. ” Plus aerial dance performance by Mel Nutter. More info
Friday 9, 6 pm at Bophana Center, a film screening and discussion with filmmaker Vanna Hem, Lotus Sports Club. Khmer and English language event. More info
Friday 9 at Meta House is Pride Month Poetry Night from 6.15 pm – a selection of readers with an open mic portion to follow the main event. More info
Also Friday 9 at Meta House, from 8 pm, the Asia South East-Short Film Festival 2023. “A seasonal film festival that gives international audiences from Asia, Europe, North America, and elsewhere who are living or traveling in the southeast of Asia, a chance to see a wide variety of great short films that are being produced from around the world. It is curated by the same team that produces the London Seasonal Short Film Festival and the London Worldwide Comedy Short Film Festival.” Followed on Saturday 10 by the World Student Film Festival.
Saturday 10 at Hotel Old Cinema in Kampot is the opening of Kaleidoscope, an exhibition of prints by Tamara Venn celebrating Cambodian wildlife.
On 15 June, Meta House hosts the Phnom Penh Players’Story Slam. 7 pm. More info
On 19 June Apple Tree Productions presents the June edition of SPEAK – a night of poetry and spoken word performances at Botanico. 7 pm. More info On 25 June at Raffles Le Royal, a piano recital by Lee Jae Phang with music by Schubert and Debussy. 7 pm. More info
At the end of July 2023, dance company Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA will host two nights of performances featuring original choreography from Chakra, Chamreoun, Chay, Sopharoth, and Venghour. They have launched a crowdsourcing campaign to support the project. Support their fundraising campaign here.
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
The Gallerist A continuously rolling collection of works by mostly Cambodian artists. Currently showing is works by Chhan Dina, Nak Noy, Stan, Chhim Sothy, DinArt and Thun Dina. More info
Meta House The Trap of Life – a new exhibition by Battambang born painter Sou Sophy. “Trap of Life consists of 24 pieces made out of plywood, recycled paper and glue with a strong environmental message. The works focus on how humans impact the physical environment in many ways, such as pollution, burning fossil fuels, deforestation and poaching.” 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
Shophouse Studio/Pteah Chas Group art exhibition Mixed Media MayII on the theme of Reconnecting to Nature – interaction between people and nature, the importance of nature, and architectural buildings and nature. Until 14 June. More info
Sa Sa Art Projects Myth in Motion, a video art exhibition by featuring five international women artists – Martha Atienza (Philippines), Ana María Millán (Colombia), Thao Nguyen Phan (Vietnam), Ana Vaz (Brazil) and Connie Zheng (US). 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 May.
Kumnooh was originally 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.
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.
Eriq Henri Madsen: born in the USA, citizen of the world, and a true Khmer soul. His signature greeting for everyone he met, a warm “Hello, Dear”, still rings in our ears. He died on April 24, 2023, and his talent, service, and deep kindness will be missed by the countless people who were his friends, students, fellow artists, and advocates. His family in the US has requested that Tribe Art Cambodia and his friends offer the remaining pieces of artwork for sale – all of his last collection will be on show and available for purchase. His distinctive work is playful and imaginative – he tells the story of each of us. Please join us and consider taking a piece of Eriq’s life and imagination home with you; it will greet you each day with “Hello, Dear”. Saturday and Sunday at Pi-Pet-Pi Gallery (next to Enso Cafe), 10 am – 6 pm.
Drop Cloth … a few things you might not know about…
An artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is overrated: Comedy during the pandemic. Bo Burnham was the only one to do anything productive. All the rest of us were performing to empty Zoom rooms or drive-in car parks in LA where people sat in their cars tuning their radio to the mic frequency and flicking their headlights on and off to signify laughter. Like a bad cheese fever dream directed by Wes Anderson. Zoom comedy, for me, was the third circle of Hell. Dying on stage is hard enough without dying simultaneously in forty rooms filled with semi-dressed, depressed and overly-medicated Millennials unsuccessfully trying to find the mute button.
An artist of an aspect of the arts that you think is underrated: Crowd work. Great comedians who aren’t so well known such as Ian Bagg in the US, Irish guy Wes Dalton and Brit Jon Pearson who have the ability to literally stand there and incorporate audience input. I love the idea of comedy as a conversation – albeit a mostly one-sided conversation. My favourite comedians always make me feel like they are talking to me and make the event feel like a one-off. Another aspect of comedy I love is the ability to ruffle feathers – especially of authority. I recently went to Hong Kong and the secret police were in checking on what was being said. I like that ability that comedy has, to paraphrase George Carlin, ‘to make people laugh and whilst their mouths are open, pop an idea in’.
An early memory of comedy: Coming into a smoky living room at my grandparents’ house while Billy Connolly was on the telly. People were literally weeping with laughter. My family are Irish so laughed a lot anyway and jokes and humour were a big part of my life growing up, but long shaggy dog stories from Billy Connolly or Dave Allen are strong nostalgia moments for me. I was young when my Nan died. Because we’re Catholic, they kept her in the front room prior to her burial. Someone came around to read the electricity meter and my Grandad absent-mindedly said “oh, it’s in the front room, next to my wife”. Poor guy came out white as a sheet and we all howled with laughter. Good times.
The last thing you had to eat: Ginger-infused peanut butter on sourdough toast! What a tosser! But yesterday I ate pad krapow, the classic Thai street dish of minced pork or chicken with holy basil and chilli. I eat a lot and food is very important to me. What should I not miss in Phnom-nom Penh?
Where did you do your start in comedy? I trained originally as an actor in a big London drama school and have a Master’s Degree in performing arts and actor training. I was lucky to be trained by some great clowns and comedy actors. I moved from acting to cabaret about ten years ago and I do a mix of comedy and cabaret mind reading. I was fortunate to be mentored in mentalism by the son of Houdini’s prop maker and I enjoy creating shows. The Edinburgh Fringe was a great teacher of experience and I suppose I started comedy seriously there. Pre-pandemic, I lived in LA and worked hard there to get better.
When did you first come to Cambodia? 2011 is the only other time I’ve been to Cambodia. I visited Siem Reap. Never been to Phnom Penh and I’m excited to be coming back to Cambodia and visiting somewhere new. The last time I was here, I was very taken by how kind everyone was.
A book or movie you keep going back to: I love books, especially fantasy and sci-fi. Iain M. Banks’ Culture series, Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law series, American Gods by Neil Gaiman, Stone Junction by Jim Dodge and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson are all favourite re-reads. Also anything by Dan Abnett. I always re-visit Shakespeare too. Movies: Withnail and I, Labyrinthine, The Italian Job and Le Bossu.
What languages do you speak? I speak passable Spanish and can make myself understood in Portuguese by speaking Spanish with a Sean Connery accent. I know a smattering of Norwegian swear words and how to tell someone I love them, and I am slowly picking up Thai.
A country that you would like to visit: It seems a bit trite but I am a serial traveller. I am always happiest when visiting somewhere new, so in that respect, the next country is the country I’d like to visit! But if you want a different response then Iceland. It seems like a mystical place full of angry geysers.
Something people might be surprised to know about you: I placed third at the World Yoga Championships. The winner won by a long stretch.
A question from last week’s participant – what ambitions to you have for your particular artform, individually or collectively? I am interested in helping to build the scene in Asia for local comics. There aren’t enough opportunities to perform and you need stage time to get better at comedy. I’m part of a group hoping to bring a full fringe festival to Chiang Mai. Purely personally, I want to be able to make enough money in comedy to keep my goat in the manner he’s become accustomed to and to be able to bail or bribe my way out of jail.
Event listings:
Opening today, Tuesday 30, but with a special event on Thursday 1, a pop up exhibition by Sra’Art and Let Us Create Futures featuring Delphine Vaudiau, Joshua Chiang, Olga Shklyar, Roberto Crucitti, Ryssa and Lolli. The Thursday night special event from 7 pm will include a silent auction and a musical performance by blues band The Blue Souls. More info
From Tuesday to Sunday this week, Meta House presents Pride Film Fest with screenings nightly at 6 pm. Meta House
Opening tomorrow and running through to Sunday is the 12thCambodia International Film Festival – an extensive schedule of screenings at venues all over the city. Download the programme here. Media: CambodgeMag (FR)
Opening on Wednesday 31, a group art exhibition Mixed Media MayII at Shophouse Studio. Theme is Reconnecting to Nature – interaction between people and nature, the importance of nature, and architectural buildings and nature. From 6 pm. More info
Through the coming weekend at Boeung Trobek High School, International Board on Books for Young People celebrate International Children’s Book Day. 8 am – 8 pm daily. More info
Saturday 3 at The Art Bar in Kep, the closing night for Serendipitous by Nature: a long view of an artist’s work, an exhibition by Emily Marques. From 6 pm. More info
The Trap of Life – a new exhibition by Sou Sophy, opens at Meta House on Tuesday 6 June. “Trap of Life consists of 24 pieces made out of plywood, recycled paper and glue with a strong environmental message. The works focus on how humans impact the physical environment in many ways, such as pollution, burning fossil fuels, deforestation and poaching.” From 6 pm.
Myth in Motion, a video art exhibition by featuring five international women artists – Martha Atienza (Philippines), Ana María Millán (Colombia), Thao Nguyen Phan (Vietnam), Ana Vaz (Brazil) and Connie Zheng (US), opens at Sa Sa Art Projects on Wednesday 7 June. 6 – 8 pm. More info
On 9 June Meta House will host the Asia South East-Short Film Festival 2023. “A seasonal film festival that gives international audiences from Asia, Europe, North America, and elsewhere who are living or traveling in the southeast of Asia, a chance to see a wide variety of great short films that are being produced from around the world. It is curated by the same team that produces the London Seasonal Short Film Festival and the London Worldwide Comedy Short Film Festival.” Followed on 10 June by the World Student Film Festival!
Coming on 10 June to Hotel Old Cinema in Kampot is Kaleidoscope, an exhibition of prints by Tamara Venn celebrating Cambodian wildlife.
At the end of July 2023, dance company Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA will host two nights of performances featuring original choreography from Chakra, Chamreoun, Chay, Sopharoth, and Venghour. They have launched a crowdsourcing campaign to support the project. Support their fundraising campaign here.
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 Chhan Dina, Nak Noy, Stan, Chhim Sothy, DinArt and Thun Dina. 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
Space Four Zero Prints, paintings, vintage posters, pop art, CDs and vinyl. Open daily. More info
Sra’Art Pop up exhibition by Sra’Art and Let Us Create Futures featuring Delphine Vaudiau, Joshua Chiang, Olga Shklyar, Roberto Crucitti, Ryssa and Lolli. Special Thursday night event from 7 pm will include a silent auction and a performance by The Blue Souls. 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 May.
Kumnooh was originally 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.
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.
Kumnooh was originally established in 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 – now expanded to include 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.
Are we missing something? Let us know at fabianhipp@kumnooh.com.
See you about…
Fabian Hipp
Kumnooh
fabianhipp@kumnooh.com
During COVID, my wife Keiko and I occupied ourselves with various projects we might never have got around to otherwise—one
exhibition at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, two photo exhibitions at Bophana Center, and a book titled Dancers.
This Saturday 27 at 7 pm at Seekers Spirit House the intrepid traveller will find a multi-faceted event entitled A-N-T-O-P-I-A/PAPERS, put together by Metaestetica Lab, a mixed media participatory installation and performance including the Kampot
Playboys, DJs, painters, video, sculpture, Old Uncle Tom Cobly and all. Kumnooh sat down with the proposer of the event, Carlo Santoro, as the rain poured down, to try to get a handle on all that’s going on.
You are describing this as a reload, but a reload of what precisely? “The first version of A-N-T-O-P-I-A was put together for the European Film Festival in February 2023 – one single installation work. It’s not an exhibition, it’s an installation one single product created by artists from many different disciplines – painting, sculpture, architecture, printing, video and performance.
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.” Media: The Kumnooh Interview
Opening on 30 May but with a special event on 1 June, a pop up exhibition by Sra’Art and Let Us Create Futures featuring
Delphine Vaudiau, Joshua Chiang, Olga Shklyar, Roberto Crucitti, Ryssa and Lolli. The Thursday night special event will include a silent auction and a performance by The Blue Souls. From 7 pm.
More info
From 30 May to 4 June, Meta Housepresents Pride Film Fest with screenings nightly at 6 pm.
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
On the weekend 2 – 4 June at Boeung Trobek High School, International Board on Books for Young People celebrate International Children’s Book Day. 8 am – 8 pm daily. More info
On 9 June Meta Housewill host theAsia South East-Short Film Festival 2023. “A seasonal film festival that gives international audiences from Asia, Europe, North America, and elsewhere who are living or traveling in the southeast of Asia, a chance to see a wide variety of great short films that are being produced from around the world. It is curated by the same team that produces the London Seasonal Short Film Festival and the London Worldwide Comedy Short Film Festival.”
At the end of July 2023, dance companyPrumsodun Ok & NATYARASA will host two nights of performances featuring original
choreography from Chakra, Chamreoun, Chay, Sopharoth, and Venghour. They have launched a crowdsourcing campaign to support the project. Support their fundraising campaign here.
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
The Gallerist
A continuously rolling collection of works by mostly Cambodian artists. Currently showing are works by Chhan
Dina, Nak Noy, Stan, Chhim Sothy, DinArt and Thun Dina.
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
N o w h e r e Art Studio offers a range of arts and crafts workshops at different times. Sunday 11 June is Block-printing on fabric, 1pm.
A weekly class in life drawing for kids with Anastasia at Pteah Chas Community.
More infoKhmer 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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Welcome to the return of Kumnooh – week two. For those catching up: Kumnooh was originally established in 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 so on.
The new Kumnooh will be providing more interviews and profiles than in the past. This week you can find below both our interview with Cambodian playwright Samithi Sok and the new regular mini-profile Drop Cloth (based on the LengPleng mini-profile Passing Chords) with our first participant Chhan Dina. If you have an artist you would like to know more about, or an exhibition you would like to promote, we are always open to suggestions.
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.
Coming soon to Java Creative Café Tuol Tom Pong is a new play by playwright Samithi Sok, Wind Up Mice, co-directed by Samithi and Marika Els. Samithi was good enough to sit down with Kumnooh this week to discuss the world of theatre.
“This is the second play that I’ve written and directed,” says Samithi. “Wind Up Mice is about a couple who are trapped in a time-loop and they are forced to relive their relationship over and over again from start to finish. It explores ideas of free will, resentments and toxic relationships, trying to preserve what we can really hold on to.
Drop Cloth … a few things you might not know about…
Photo: David Flack
Chhan Dina. A prominent figure in the Cambodian art scene, active in painting and sculpture, Dina also has been involved in Community of Artists events over the last couple of years as well as putting on many solo and group exhibitions. Her gallery is located at the bottom of St 13, near the National Museum.
Is there an artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is overrated? Since 1975 Cambodia hasn’t had visual art, so the Cambodian audience for art is not well developed. The art that many Cambodians think is very good, it’s not really very good. You have to learn the basics, and then work very hard to make good art.
Is there an artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is underrated? Art is not just about what you can create, it is important to look at the history. And young artists can learn a lot from older artists and the advice that they can give.
An early art memory? I remember when I was very young I would lay down and look at the clouds, all the interesting shapes. And I would take the sap from trees – shines like a diamond! – and I made myself some jewellery from it, rings and necklaces. Then my cousin and I would take clay from the road to make clay animals and clay dolls because we didn’t have many toys – I remember waiting for them to dry so that I could play. One last one – when I walked home from school I would always see a man standing by the road painting, and I would stop and watch.
The last thing you had to eat? Warren made me scrambled eggs on toast.
Where did you do your studies? My teacher Ron, an American, taught me all about art, the basics and how to use my imagination.
When did you first leave Cambodia? When I was young I went to Singapore, about 15 years old, with my teacher Ron, to visit museums and galleries. I was so nervous flying in an aeroplane for the first time.
A book or movie you keep going back to? I like to watch scary movies – they make me not afraid of anything.
What languages do you speak? Khmer and English.
A country that you would like to visit? So many places…. USA!
Something people might be surprised to know about you? When I was young a friend of mine from Singapore gave me a guitar – it was taller than me – and for many years I played guitar every day. Music remains an inspiration for me.
What advice would you give to a young artist starting out? It is easy to say I want to be an artist but to actually become an artist is very hard. Art is from your heart, you really have to create something that you love, and put your soul into your art.
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.
Beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, and continuing through the weekend, Cannes in Phnom Penh, a selection of films from the festival, will be screened at Institut francais du Cambodge and Major Cinepex. More info
On 20 May, a closing night celebration for Srey Art exhibition for International Women’s Day, featuring the works of Dahlia Phi, Ny Vannak, Raphaelle Martinez, Kari Podboy and Marie Hill. More info
Also on 20 May, The Piano Trilogy 1 at Meta House featuring Christina Sen from Cambodia, Philippe Javelle from France and Gabriele Faja from Italy. 7 pm. More info
Friday 26, Sra’Art presents an open mic hosted by Initial G, from 7 pm. More info
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.”
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 Roots, the very first exhibition in Cambodia of French Cambodian artist Ramya Chuon. More info
Meta House Uncontemporary Contemporaries, gouaches by Ernst Altmann, featuring Run. “Ernst Altmann is a German painter based in Phnom Penh. We invite you to his new show at Meta House, in collaboration with Cambodian self-taught artist Run. “We are rather uncommon artist friends, coming from different corners of this world”, writes Altmann. “Yet, the results of our collaboration show plenty of similarities. I meet Run for the first time in 2014 when he became my assistant during a shadow puppet play project at Meta House. Back then, we could not communicate because of the language. However, Run isn´t much of a talker anyway. The level of understanding we developed nevertheless amazed me.”
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
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
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.
Welcome to the return of Kumnooh. We were originally established in 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 so on. The pandemic shut things down in 2020, we returned in 2022 only to succumb to the visissitudes of life late in the year.
Now Kumnooh is back – this Tuesday and following Tuesdays into the future. Sign up for the email list by sending a subscribe email to fabianhipp@kumnooh.com or just browse at kumnooh.com. Note that we will be also be expanding our listings to include stand up comedy. We also hope in the weeks to come to begin including more feature interviews and profiles of artists and arts goings-on throughout Cambodia, so if you have an event coming please get in touch.
And we have two favours to ask. One is your patience while we get back up to speed, and your assistance in altering us to new activities or venues that have sprung up (or closed) in the interim that may not be on our radar currently.
The other is that we are establishing something called Friends of Kumnooh, based on the successful Friends of LengPleng campaign, where we ask venues, artists and individuals to show their support by making a small monetary contribution to keep the lights on at Kumnooh Towers. In return for a boost in promotion, including a non-Facebook web page on our site for direct contact with the dedicated arts audience. Details on this will come next week. Queries by return email – fabianhipp@kumnooh.com.
Darryl Collins: an appreciation of his contribution to Cambodia, 1994 – 2023
By Margaret Bywater
Darryl Collins came to Cambodia at the beginning of 1994, as part of a restoration project working with the staff of the National Museum of Cambodia. Completion of repairs to the roof and other renovations were marked by a ceremony attended by King Sihanouk and the then Governor-General of Australia, The Hon. Bill Hayden, AC, on 28 April 1995. Darryl returned briefly to Australia, but his Phnom Penh experience was to change his life; he resigned his job at the Australian National Gallery and was soon back in Cambodia teaching English at Australian Centre for Education, a connection that he retained for many years as a teacher and an examiner. He encouraged many young Cambodians to pursue further study overseas.
From late 1999, Darryl was a lecturer at the Royal University of Fine Arts in the Department of Archaeology. During this time the chance finding of a very large collection of small black and white photographs of buildings in Cambodia led to a seven-year research project – he worked with fellow RUFA teacher and architect Helen Grant Ross and architectural student /researcher Hon Sokol produced a groundbreaking work, Building Cambodia: New Khmer Architecture 1953-1970, which was published in December 2006.
As Manager of the Collection Inventory Project in 2004 Darryl directed the important task of creating a digital register of the entire collection of the National Museum, including the transfer of all the early French records. Darryl continued to conduct research, further developing his understanding and appreciation of Khmer culture and civilisation, including a one-year consultancy for the Department of Culture and Research of the APSARA Authority, ceaselessly lecturing and writing articles for publication in local and international journals and newsletters. Darryl delighted in sharing his knowledge with students, the general public and other scholars and interested visitors to the kingdom. He was appointed to the Board of Heritage International and was still a board member at the time of his death.
Once Darryl moved to Siem Reap in 2008, he became a well known figure in the community and was widely respected for his knowledge of Khmer history and culture. He donated a collection from his own library when the Centre for Khmer Studies Library was establishing its Southeast Asia collection in 2001.
His personal belief in the need to preserve and document traditional Khmer wooden houses and the need to encourage Cambodians to value these beautiful dwellings is the light that shines on every page of his last book, Cambodian Wooden Houses: 1,000 years of Khmer heritage, co-authored with Hok Sokol, published by SIPAR, 2021.
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.
Thursday 4, 7 pm at Meta House the Phnom Penh Players present Story Slam storytelling competition. “No scripts, no cue cards, no weeks of practice allowed! Bring your best story and tell it the way you would share with your friends. Come to make us laugh, make us cry, or make us feel sorry for you.” Prompt: when was the first time you realised you were in love? More info
Friday 5 Sra’Art presents an open mic hosted by Initial G, from 7 pm – POSTPONED TO MAY 26 More info
Phnom Penh Photography Collective’s Phnom Penh Photo Walk #4 takes place this Saturday 6 from 3 pm. Styles of Phnom Penh is the theme – starts and finishes at Wild but you can join at any time. More info
Cine-Saturday at Bophana Center this week – historical films Royal Procession (1967) and Women during Sangkum Reastr Niyum (1960). Saturday 6, 5 pm.
Also later this month, 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.”
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
The Gallerist A continuously rolling collection of works by mostly Cambodian artists. Currently showing is Roots, the very first exhibition in Cambodia of French Cambodian artist Ramya Chuon. More info
Sa Sa Art Projects Rebuild by Kong Dara, Leng Kimsreang and Soung Pheakdey on show through to 17 May 2023. 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. More info
N o w h e r e Art Studio A range of arts and crafts workshops at different times. Saturday 6 May is Self-portrait acrylic painting, 9 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.
