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Kumnooh: Cambodia arts for week commencing 21 October 2025

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Greetings:

Drop Cloth … a few things you might not know about

Koem Keo Socheat.  “I love my name.  I can see something behind that, and combined together with my name is how I am.”  Her current exhibition at Plantation, The Art Always Comes First, is her third solo show, and combines new work with some retrospective pieces. 

What do you feel is important about art? 
For me art is emotionally simple, is connected to action, the activities that we are doing.  The first thing to do is look at myself – what should I do?  An especially important thing for me being in the present, what should I do, how can I do, what is the intention behind it, and the connection to everything around me. 

I am interested in how the art is connected to the artist.  When I look at the art and the artist I want to see if they are together or not.  If they are together, they show the intention.  This is what we learn from each other, how can the art have an impact on us?  Sometimes it is positive or negative. 

I do not say people should understand what I am doing, they can do and think what they want.  Art is connected to everyone, the dharma, looking at nature, how people can stay together.  People try to understand, and the first thing is about understanding themselves, so they can find peace together. 

I create symbols.  But always with intention behind, connected to dharma, to behaviour, to relationships, to culture, to tradition, to male/female.  For me male and female, we are really together, two in one.  I have a drawing with crocodiles representing the male and the water, and the female is the earth.  They are together, water and earth.  Find peace within ourselves and both can stay together very well.  It connects to the Khmer culture also, since long ago, the women are always important.  Who is the role model for the women? 

An early art memory
When I began to learn about myself it was like waking up from sleeping.  Starting to prepare what I should do, what I want to do. 

The last thing you had to eat
I love this question.  The last thing I had to eat was some salt.  And then I have to drink water. 

How did you get your start in art?
I studied art at the Royal University of Fine Arts for four years, I graduated in 2018.  But I think four years was not enough, just a short time for me.  I keep researching, not just in the class, everywhere.  It will never end.  I keep reading again and again, always finding something different. 

When did you first leave Cambodia?
2023. 

A book or movie you keep going back to
Every day is a book about myself.  We are all connected to everything, and also connected to the people around us.  I keep preparing myself, before I get the pencil, I see things happening around me.   

What languages do you speak?
This is an interesting question for me, you will be surprised at my answer: the language that I speak is the chemistry language.  Not far away from me, from you, from what we are talking now, what we are discussing now. 

A country that you would like to visit
The country I would like to visit is the one that is farthest away from me.

Something people should know about you
I am a woman, a sister, and could be a mother.  Because in here I am the sister and mother, not just sister or just mother. 

What’s currently standing in the way of you achieving your biggest dream?  
I know art is my duty, what I should do?   Because we cannot change anyone, depending on their behaviour.  I just look at myself, how can I share to the people around. 

Event listings:

Open since yesterday at Plantation is The Art Always Comes First, an exhibition of new and older works by rising Cambodian artist Koem Keo Socheat (see Drop Cloth above).  “She is not a commercial artist—her work is about ideas, culture, and emotion. She wants viewers to understand her art, not just look at it.”  Until 14 December.
More info

On Thursday 23, Sra’Art celebrate their sixth anniversary with a night of art roulette.  6 pm.  Media: Cambodgemag ; Phnom Penh Post
More info

Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 at The Box Office, Apple Tree Arts presents The Sins of the Father, a theatrical piece written and performed by Cat Isaacs – see Drop Cloth last week.  Minimum age 16.   7.30 pm each night. 
More info and tickets

On Friday 24, the French Institute presents a night of contemporary dance with Dalila Belaza (FR) at the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh. 
More info

The Bong Bonlai/YK Art HouseDay Time Open Mic is returning to a regular monthly schedule starting Saturday 25.   4 pm start, with a special free introduction to the Phnom Penh Ukulele Circle from 3 pm for the ukulele curious. 
On Sunday 26, the 15thMusica Felica choir charity concert, Living Hope, will be held at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra. 
For Halloween, October 30 and 31, LoKey Theater present The Haunted Theatre Mystery.  Each experience lasts 30–45 minutes. Minimum age 16.
More info

November 1 at the Mini-Museum of Contemporary Art at Meta House is the opening of the Cambodians on Photographs: Faces Through Time 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. Coffill will be signing copies of his book.  From 6 pm.
More info

Starting in November, new Tuol Tom Pong venue The House of Jazz will be hosting a poetry night every third Wednesday of the month.  Currently seeking a host and interested poets. 
More info via email

Ongoing….

Exhibitions  

Bophana Center
Alive, a new exhibition by Kim Hak, “a long-term photography project that brings memories attached to objects.”
More info

The Gallerist
Rolling exhibitions of mostly Cambodian artists.  Currently on display is work by Takakazu Yamada.
More info

Meta House
Nature of Women, an exhibition by emerging Cambodian artists Billy S and Fia Ry, with contributions from Reaksa Bung (painting), Sao Sopheak (video), Yon Davy (dance), and Chan Vimean (text). 
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
The Art Always Comes First, an exhibition of new and older works by rising Cambodian artist Koem Keo Socheat (see Drop Cloth above).  “She is not a commercial artist—her work is about ideas, culture, and emotion. She wants viewers to understand her art, not just look at it.”

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem Reap)
Harmony, a show by Morn Chear and Nak Noy with TRIBE Cambodia curated by Nat Di-Maggio.
More info

The River Gallery (Siem Reap)
Exhibition by Colors of Cambodia Collective featuring Hour Soben, Thy Channarak,
Sorm Narath, Loun Lon, Sophany Sor, Sophanin Sor, Bill Gentry, Son Kosal, Set Soeng
and Julia Haw.
More info

Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio.  Rolling exhibitions.  Media: Le Petit Journal (FR)(June 2025)

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.  
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

Sra’Art
Nature’s Palette, a contemporary art exhibition by Emily Marques.  “Explore nature’s rhythms of death, rebirth, chaos, and renewal through vibrant paintings that reflect resilience and harmony.”  Thursday 9 Emily will present an artist talk and do some live painting. 

Tribe Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Permanent showroom for works of Nak Noy.
More info

Regular events, classes, sessions:

N o w h e r e Art Studio (relocated to Maloop) occasional workshops.
More info

No Frame Party hosts weekend art workshops in a variety of forms at venues around Phnom Penh. 

Life Drawing Phnom Penh – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm, at Station 350.

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. 
More info

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 January – June 2025. 


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.  

Unknown's avatar

Kumnooh: Cambodia arts for week commencing 14 October 2025

by

Greetings:

Here comes high season – it’s a bumper list of events this week, after a mini-profile of Cat Isaacs.  

Drop Cloth … a few things you might not know about
 

Cat Isaacs is best known in Cambodia as a singer with The Broken Cymbal and her work with Apple Tree Arts events.  Next weekend she will be performing her play The Sins of the Father, at Speakeasy Theatre/The Box Office on Thursday 23 – Saturday 25, 7.30 pm.  Tickets available here.

An artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is overrated
Big budget production without a director who knows what they’re doing.  So there’s so many talented, brilliant people who are just not given a shot because either they don’t have a name yet, or they’re fresh out of university, or they have a concept but no one’s giving them that door.  And sequel after sequel of garbage is being churned out, not giving space to new directors and new ideas.  I’m not worried for the arts in that way, but I wish that a lot of that budget could go towards up and coming artists with fresh ideas, different eyes and different ways of doing things.  I wish I had enough money to do it myself. 

An artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is underrated
In South Africa there is often very little budget, and you have to do a lot with a little – you have to be creative, you have to be imaginative, using limited sets and props.  I think that’s an underrated way of performing.  I’m not a big fan of realism.  And I think absurdist and experimental theatre – we call it poor theatre – it’s not celebrated enough because there’s no grandiosity or spectacle. 

An early arts memory
I was four, and my mum was friends with a lady I knew as Aunty Judy.  I remember exactly what she was wearing – a long blue skirt, a white blouse, and she was greying.  She had access to the backstage on a production of The Wizard of Oz at the State Theatre in Pretoria.  I remember seeing the witch have the bucket of water thrown on her and melt into the stage.  I felt it in my soul that that is something I wanted to be a part of.  And then having the privilege of being taken backstage, walking through with Aunty Judy – she was talking with everyone, I don’t know how involved she was or if she just knew someone in the show, but the way that she was interacting with people backstage, and I thought I want to be able to do this as well, with the crew, the wardrobe, the make-up.  I just wanted to be a part of that world, making those stories come to life on stage.  Such a vivid memory.

The last thing you had to eat
I had shakshuka for breakfast this morning, with extra bacon and peppermint tea. 

How did you get your start in theatre?
I got started on television first – I was on a game show version of Kideo, when I was three years old, it was my favourite show.  Then I did work as an extra in high school.  Theatre was not encouraged in my household, in fact I was actively discouraged from considering it as a career.  I only really got into a theatre space in high school – after our drama course was deleted from the curriculum a group of us got together and fought to have it reinstated. Then I did a drama degree at university.      

When did you first come to / first leave Cambodia?
It seems so long ago but so yesterday.  Towards the end of COVID, June 26 2021.  I remember the date because I missed my nephew’s birthday on the 29th. 

A book or movie you keep going back to
Shrek!  It is my comfort movie, I’ve loved it since I was ten years old, when it came out.  It ties in to memories of my mum and my sister, going to the movies as girls together.  Shrek is very important to me.  It wasn’t really made for children, there were a lot of themes in there – that feeling of being an outsider and being so misunderstood and lonely, I identified so much with Shrek as a character.  The yearning for closeness while not being able to do anything about yourself that inspires the opposite.  Also the best sequel ever made is Shrek 2. 

What languages do you speak?
English and Afrikaans.  I can speak a little bit of Spanish – I can get by on greetings and asking for food things in almost every language. 

A country that you would like to visit
There aren’t many that are still on my list but definitely Malaysia.  I want to go to Kuala Lumpur, and I’ve heard really good things about Langkawi.  Apparently my grandfather on my father’s side has Malaysian heritage or some kind of connection.  And I really want to go to Hong Kong Disneyland. 

Something people might be surprised to know about you
I’m shy.   A lot of people think I’m a very outgoing, confident person, which is true, but if not in a true performance space on stage or for a gig, I get really bashful in life settings.  Also I play the drums, and I’m pretty good – not to professional level.  And I’m really good at maths, algebra and geometry – but not trigonometry, I hate trigonometry.  

A question from last week’s participant:
Given the vast number of people putting their art into the public sphere and the lack of attention of the average individual, coupled with a modern obsession with tearing down those who achieve great things, do you think that’s possible for a great, era-defining artist to emerge and—if so—how might this happen?
I think that in the past the communities that these great artists emerged out of were quite small, and those small communities decided that the work was great.  Maybe one in 20 are talented, or maybe two out of 20 are talented, and out of those two one has encouragement and love and family support, so that’s the one that everybody sees.  So it becomes great work because it is the only work.  Nowadays, there are so many fabulous artists, singers, musicians, actors, dancers – it’s saturated, because there are more people in the world.  And social media has given everyone the space to have an opinion, so the community of people who decide what is great and not great is open to the masses, and the masses are not necessarily educated in the arts, and it is difficult to separate an informed opinion for an uninformed opinion.  A lot of people want to put their work into the public sphere but are afraid of having it ripped to shreds.  I  teach my students, and I also have to keep reminding myself – you must rip your own work to shreds before you put it out there, so nothing can touch you, because it’s also not you that you’re putting out, it’s your work, it doesn’t define who you are as a person, but do it anyway.  If the fear of what somebody else is going to say about it is holding you back then you don’t deserve to put it out yet, and you need to do some self-work.  Being an artist is not creating great work, it’s creating work.  There’s always the chance that down the line a future eye will find your work somewhere and it’s going to change their life. 

Event listings:

Tuesday 14 at Meta House sees the opening of Nature of Women, an exhibition by emerging Cambodian artists Billy S and Fia Ry, with contributions from Reaksa Bung (painting), Sao Sopheak (video), Yon Davy (dance), and Chan Vimean (text).  6 pm. 
More info

On Wednesday 15 at Raffles Le Royal the French Institute presents a jazz concert by Marion Rampal (FR), a  tribute to Abbey Lincoln.  “Far from a conventional tribute reaching for the stars, Song For Abbey is a gesture of living memory that seeks to invoke and share the spirit of an immense artist, one who considered jazz as the most conducive form to what she called “character building.”   Featuring Arthur Alard (drums), Laurent Vernerey (bass), Bruno Ruder (piano) and Matthis Pascaud (guitar).
More info and tickets

Wednesday 15 at The Box Office, Comedy in Cambodia presents the improvised show Stand-up Unscripted at 7.30 pm. 
More info

Thursday 16 at Friends Futures Factory, Creative Generation presents Life, an evening of performance and conversation with Performance Lab artist in residence composer Gardika Gigih with Lokru Nuon Sok and Ni-O Panha.  6 pm.  Then on Sunday 19, at the same location, Gardika Gigih presents two workshops, Sound Story at 1.30 pm and Collective Composition at 4 pm. 
More info

Friday 17 at Factory, a special event featuring a screening of The Perfect Motion by Xavier de Lauzanne, a documentary about the history of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia workshop, plus live performances by the Princess Buppha Devi Dance School.  Q&A to follow.  Tickets from $5.  6 pm. 
More info and tickets

Saturday 18 at Bophana Center is Alive, a new exhibition by Kim Hak, “a long-term photography project that brings memories attached to objects.”
More info

Also Saturday 18 at The Box Office, Comedy in Cambodia presents Comedic Stylings featuring Raven Krystal, Andrew Leyva, Matthew Reading, David Benaim and Sam Thomas.  Tickets $5.   7.30 pm. 
More info

Also also on Saturday 18 Meta House presents the 14th Chaktomuk Short Film Festival, 77 short films divided into World Cinema Spotlight (6 pm) and Asian Cinema Spotlight (8 pm).  Followed on Sunday 19 by sessions on Life and Lessons (6 pm) and a Cambodian Filmmaker panel discussion (8 pm).  All films with English subtitles.  Free entry. 
More info – Saturday
More info – Sunday

And in Siem Reap on Saturday 18 The River Gallery is holding a raffle of works from their Colors of Cambodia exhibition, featuring work by Julia Haw, Ponleu Prom, Bill Gentry, Sor Sophany and Loun Lon.  Funds raised go to their educational programme for children and teens – they are celebrating 25 years of providing free arts education.  You can purchase $2 raffle tickets online in advance, and you don’t have to be present to win. 
More info

On Sunday 19, a classical recital: Martin Ng (SG) sings German Masterpieces of Romanticism at Raffles Le Royal.
More info and tickets

Coming to The Box Office on October 23 – 25 is The Sins of the Father, a theatrical piece written and performed by Cat Isaacs – see Drop Cloth above.  Minimum age 16.   More info and tickets

On October 23, Sra’Art present a night of art roulette.  6 pm. 
More info

October 24, the French Institute presents a night of contemporary dance with Dalila Belaza (FR) at the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh. 
More info

The Bong Bonlai/YK Art House Day Time Open Mic is returning to a regular monthly schedule starting October 25 (a Saturday).   4 pm start, with a special free introduction to the Phnom Penh Ukulele Circle from 3 pm for the ukulele curious. 

The next (15th!) Musica Felica choir charity concert, Living Hope will be held at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra on October 26. 

For Halloween, October 30 and 31, LoKey Theater present The Haunted Theatre Mystery.  Each experience lasts 30–45 minutes. Minimum age 16.
More info

Starting in November, new Tuol Tom Pong venue The House of Jazz will be hosting a poetry night every third Wednesday of the month.  Currently seeking a host and interested poets. 
More info via email

Currently at Sosoro – Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum 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. 

Ongoing….

Exhibitions:  

The Gallerist
Rolling exhibitions of mostly Cambodian artists.  Currently on display is work by Chov Theanly.
More info

Meta House
Nature of Women, an exhibition by emerging Cambodian artists Billy S and Fia Ry, with contributions from Reaksa Bung (painting), Sao Sopheak (video), Yon Davy (dance), and Chan Vimean (text).  6 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 are paintings by Svay Ken.   “Svay Ken’s paintings illustrate scenes from everyday life in Cambodia that are often charged with the presence of unsettling forces beyond the picture frame.”
More info

Plantation
Human Canvas: Portraits of Identity, a solo photography exhibition by Joaquin Barata.  Exhibition runs until October 19.  Media:  Cambodianess
More info

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem Reap)
Harmony, a show by Morn Chear and Nak Noy with TRIBE Cambodia curated by Nat Di-Maggio.
More info

The River Gallery (Siem Reap)
Exhibition by Colors of Cambodia Collective featuring Hour Soben, Thy Channarak, Sorm Narath, Loun Lon, Sophany Sor, Sophanin Sor, Bill Gentry, Son Kosal, Set Soeng and Julia Haw.
More info

Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio.  Rolling exhibitions.  Media: Le Petit Journal (FR)(June 2025)

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. 

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

Sra’Art
Nature’s Palette, a contemporary art exhibition by Emily Marques.  “Explore nature’s rhythms of death, rebirth, chaos, and renewal through vibrant paintings that reflect resilience and harmony.”  Thursday 9 Emily will present an artist talk and do some live painting. 

Tribe Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Permanent showroom for works of Nak Noy.
More info

Regular events, classes, sessions:

N o w h e r e Art Studio (relocated to Maloop) occasional workshops.
More info

No Frame Party hosts weekend art workshops in a variety of forms at venues around Phnom Penh. 

Life Drawing Phnom Penh – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm, at Station 350.

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. 
More info

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 January – June 2025. 

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.  

Unknown's avatar

Kumnooh: Cambodia arts for week commencing 7 October 2025

by

Greetings:

Newly published is A Remarkable Collection of Angels, by Kampot-based writer David S Wills, a history of the 6 Gallery Reading in San Francisco in October 1955, where Allen Ginsberg gave the first public reading of Howl.  You can purchase it on Amazon or Bookshop online, or at BOOKISH – TheBookstore (both the Kampot and Siem Reap branches).

Drop Cloth … a few things you might not know about David S. Wills

An artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is overrated
I try not to think about such things and just ignore those who are overrated, but I suppose most of those who create within defined genres typically fall into this category. Pop stars come to mind, of course. Writers who simply churn out genre fiction as the same.

An artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is underrated
In the world of writing, there are so many underrated people. A few who come to mind are Richard Brautigan and Bob Kaufman. Certain people capture the spirit of the times, do something wildly original, and then for some reason are just forgotten.

An early art memory
Writing stories in a big A4 notebook with a photo of a tiger on the front. I don’t remember the stories but I remember the compulsion to write.

The last thing you had to eat
Pizza at Martini in Kep.

How did you get your start in writing?
I write non-fiction, so there is a sort of glimmer of an idea, then some preliminary research, then there’s a loose plan, and then there’s a vast, vast amount of research. For a book it is several years. For an essay, it is 1-6 months. I read everything written about this topic, then dig into the archives for everything overlooked. I keep making notes until there is nothing knew to write. (For my last book, one quarter million words of notes.) At a certain point comes the itch to write. You hold it off and push it down. You resist and resist. Eventually, you let go and the book comes out of its own accord. There is no holding it back. The subconscious has already processed everything. Just trust it and let the words go.

When did you first come to / first leave Cambodia?
I came on holiday in 2010 and loved it. I came back to live in 2013-14 to run a business. Those were tough times, so I left. I came back the day before the COVID closures in 2020 to write a book, and I’ve been here ever since. There is no better place to live if you have a book to write.

A book or movie you keep going back to
I re-read The Great Gatsby once a year. It is the greatest novel ever written and nothing else comes close. I re-read On the Road about every two years and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas about the same. They fall slightly short of Fitzgerald, but that’s like competing with God.

What languages do you speak?
I could speak French when I was young but I don’t think I could now, though I can understand French films to some degree. Now, I only speak Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. Oh yeah, and a bit of English.

A country that you would like to visit
Mexico.

Something people might be surprised to know about you
I once had breakfast with Werner Herzog on a volcano in North Korea.

A question from the last participant: what is your creative process? 
Well, I’m not a hugely creative person because I mostly write non-fiction. I get creative ideas and then just abandon them in favour of the next essay or non-fiction book. In any case, my process is to relentlessly study something—I mean to a truly horrifying degree of pure obsession, knowing something more than any reasonable man could know. When I wrote my book on Hunter Thompson, I knew all the order of punctuation marks in his books and the number of syllables per sentence. You could give me any quote from any book and I could tell you the page number and line number. That’s not very creative, but it’s how I write. When I do write, I sit down from 6am to 6pm, then I do that each day until the job is done. Sometimes it takes a few years. I might take one or two days off during that time.

Event listings:

Wednesday 8 at The Box Office, Comedy in Cambodia presents the improvised show Stand-up Unscripted at 7.30 pm. 
More info

On Thursday 9 at Sra’ArtEmily Marques will conduct an artist talk with live painting in conjunction with her current exhibition Nature’s Palette.  “Explore nature’s rhythms of death, rebirth, chaos, and renewal through vibrant paintings that reflect resilience and harmony.”  From 7 pm. 

Saturday 11, LOLA Music Lounge presents Angkor Comedy Night featuring Princella Anum, Fatima Sehata, Epaul, Seyhassneth and Malou.  From 8 pm.  $7.50 on the door with a free drink. 
More info

Coming soon on October 14 to Meta House is Nature of Women, an exhibition by emerging Cambodian artists Billy S and Fia Ry, with contributions from Reaksa Bung (painting), Sao Sopheak (video), Yon Davy (dance), and Chan Vimean (text).
More info

Coming to The Box Office on October 23 – 25 is The Sins of the Father, a theatrical piece written and performed by Cat Isaacs.  Tickets $10.50. 

Angkor Photo Festival invites photographers from Asia aged 21+ to submit their applications for the next Angkor Photo Workshops. The 21st Edition of the workshops will be held in Siem Reap from 30 January to 8 February 2026 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
More info

Ongoing….

Exhibitions:  

The Gallerist
Rolling exhibitions of mostly Cambodian artists.  Currently on display is work by Luna Kol.
More info

Meta House
Saving Cham Culture, a multi-media group exhibition about Cambodian Muslims.  “a unique collaboration between Cham artists, scholars and researchers, Cambodian filmmaker Sao Sopheak, US photographer Steve Porte, and the Meta House filmmakers David Brown (Australia) and Nico Mesterharm (Germany). We’ll exhibit photography, paintings, traditional silk and a selection of videos.”  
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 are paintings by Svay Ken.   “Svay Ken’s paintings illustrate scenes from everyday life in Cambodia that are often charged with the presence of unsettling forces beyond the picture frame.”
More info

Plantation
Human Canvas: Portraits of Identity, a solo photography exhibition by Joaquin Barata.  Exhibition runs until October 19. 
More info

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem Reap)
Harmony, a show by Morn Chear and Nak Noy with TRIBE Cambodia curated by Nat Di-Maggio.
More info

The River Gallery (Siem Reap)
Exhibition by Colors of Cambodia Collective featuring Hour Soben, Thy Channarak,
Sorm Narath, Loun Lon, Sophany Sor, Sophanin Sor, Bill Gentry, Son Kosal, Set Soeng
and Julia Haw.
More info

Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio.  Rolling exhibitions.  Media: Le Petit Journal (FR)(June 2025)

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

Sra’Art
Nature’s Palette, a contemporary art exhibition by Emily Marques.  “Explore nature’s rhythms of death, rebirth, chaos, and renewal through vibrant paintings that reflect resilience and harmony.”  Thursday 9 Emily will present an artist talk and do some live painting. 

Tribe Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Reopened in their new location, 655 Hup Guan Street.   Media:  Kiripost
More info

Regular events, classes, sessions:

N o w h e r e Art Studio (relocated to Maloop) occasional workshops.
More info

No Frame Party hosts weekend art workshops in a variety of forms at venues around Phnom Penh. 

Life Drawing Phnom Penh – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm, at Station 350.

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. 
More info

Traditional shadow art performance by Sovanna Phum Arts, every Friday from 5 pm at The Box Office/Speakeasy Theatre.

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 January – June 2025. 

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.  

Unknown's avatar

Kumnooh: Cambodia arts for week commencing 30 September 2025

by

Greetings:

Event listings:

Wednesday 1 at The Box Office, Comedy in Cambodia presents the improvised show Stand-up Unscripted at 7.30 pm. 
More info

Opening Thursday 2 at Sra’Art is Nature’s Palette, a contemporary art exhibition by Emily Marques.  “Explore nature’s rhythms of death, rebirth, chaos, and renewal through vibrant paintings that reflect resilience and harmony.”  From 6 pm.  The following Thursday Emily will present an artist talk and do some live painting. 
More info

Angkor Photo Festival invites photographers from Asia aged 21+ to submit their applications for the next Angkor Photo Workshops. The 21st Edition of the workshops will be held in Siem Reap from 30 January to 8 February 2026 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
More info

Ongoing….

Exhibitions:  

The Gallerist
Rolling exhibitions of mostly Cambodian artists.  Currently on display is work by Thun Dina.
More info

GAATO Cafe des Arts
Magic in the Air: The Yantra Kite Collection, featuring 30 handmade and handpainted kites by Yann Defond.  Until October 5. 
More info

Meta House
Saving Cham Culture, a multi-media group exhibition about Cambodian Muslims.  “a unique collaboration between Cham artists, scholars and researchers, Cambodian filmmaker Sao Sopheak, US photographer Steve Porte, and the Meta House filmmakers David Brown (Australia) and Nico Mesterharm (Germany). We’ll exhibit photography, paintings, traditional silk and a selection of videos.”  
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 are paintings by Svay Ken.   “Svay Ken’s paintings illustrate scenes from everyday life in Cambodia that are often charged with the presence of unsettling forces beyond the picture frame.”
More info

Plantation
Human Canvas: Portraits of Identity, a solo photography exhibition by Joaquin Barata.  Exhibition runs until October 19. 
More info

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem Reap)
Harmony, a show by Morn Chear and Nak Noy with TRIBE Cambodia curated by Nat Di-Maggio.
More info

The River Gallery (Siem Reap)
Exhibition by Colors of Cambodia Collective featuring Hour Soben, Thy Channarak,
Sorm Narath, Loun Lon, Sophany Sor, Sophanin Sor, Bill Gentry, Son Kosal, Set Soeng
and Julia Haw.
More info

Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio.  Rolling exhibitions.  Media: Le Petit Journal (FR)(June 2025)

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

Sra’Art
Nature’s Palette, a contemporary art exhibition by Emily Marques.  “Explore nature’s rhythms of death, rebirth, chaos, and renewal through vibrant paintings that reflect resilience and harmony.”  On Thursday  9 Emily will present an artist talk and do some live painting. 
More info

Stairwell Gallery
Currently featuring works by Morrison Polkinghorne.  
More info

Tribe Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Reopened in their new location, 655 Hup Guan Street.   Media:  Kiripost
More info

Regular events, classes, sessions:

N o w h e r e Art Studio (relocated to Maloop) occasional workshops.
More info

No Frame Party hosts weekend art workshops in a variety of forms at venues around Phnom Penh. 

Life Drawing Phnom Penh – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm, at Station 350.

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. 
More info

Traditional shadow art performance by Sovanna Phum Arts, every Friday from 5 pm at The Box Office/Speakeasy Theatre.

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 January – June 2025. 

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.  

Unknown's avatar

Kumnooh: Cambodia arts for week commencing 16 September 2025

by

Greetings:

Drop Cloth – a few things you may not know about

Fatima Shehata.  Fatima is a Phnom Penh-based poet, comedian, and co-organiser this Thursday night of Rhythm and Rhyme for Palestine, a benefit concert to be held at YK Art House / Bong Bonlai with a wide array of spoken word and musical contributions from the Phnom Penh community. 

Is there an artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is overrated?
I think art is so subjective so it’s hard for me to pinpoint something as overrated. Art is in the eye of the beholder! I just might not be the intended target audience.

Is there an artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is underrated?
think Arabic calligraphy is beautiful and is not particularly seen as “Art”. In Egypt the most talented calligraphers are making your standard street signs and it’s so beautiful it could be in a museum – but in a way it’s sublime that it is a living art not hidden away in a stuffy room!

An early art memory?
Finger painting with the contents of the pantry because my dad was focusing on his thesis and wasn’t really watching four year old me

The last thing you had to eat?
Coconut jelly from the Yay on the corner of Sihanouk and 63! A hidden gem of Phnom Penh!

Where did you study your art?
I dabble in a lot of art forms, I did a lot of painting and woodblock printing in high school, and wrote a lot for fun. But I never really studied art formally. I have been lucky to be able to perform and write poetry and comedy in Cambodia with the many great performers and groups, and really refine my art as a result.

When did you first come to Cambodia?
I came here on a one year contract in 2016, in the typical style of long term expats. And I never left!

A book or movie you keep going back to?
I really love the magical world of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki and the soundtrack by Joe Hisashi. There’s something so magical about it that is timeless.

What languages do you speak?
I speak Arabic, English, French, Khmer and have passable Spanish. And then I know random phrases in a few other languages just because

A country that you would like to visit?
I would love to visit Uzbekistan- the architecture looks beautiful, just stunning.

Something people might be surprised to know about you?
I know how to sing the Indonesian national anthem just because I kept going to so many government meetings on a work assignment. It’s very catchy!

What advice would you give to a young artist starting out? 
Don’t worry about making good art. That judgement of good or bad can kill your enjoyment of it. And find a creative community!

A question from the last participant: what is Art?
I think Art is anything that tells or interprets a story or transmits information and data in some way. I think as a species we crave meaning and so even the earliest art (think cave paintings or the ancient temples and tombs of Ancient Egypt or the temples of Angkor) were trying to tell stories! Stories about what we value, how we wish to live our lives, who we connect with and even what we hope life will be like after death.

Event listings:

Tuesday 16 Meta House presents Saving Cham Culture, a multi-media group exhibition about Cambodian Muslims.  “a unique collaboration between Cham artists, scholars and researchers, Cambodian filmmaker Sao Sopheak, US photographer Steve Porte, and the Meta House filmmakers David Brown (Australia) and Nico Mesterharm (Germany). We’ll exhibit photography, paintings, traditional silk and a selection of videos.”  From 6 pm. 
More info

Wednesday 17 at The Box Office, Comedy in Cambodia presents the improvised show Stand-up Unscripted at 7.30 pm. 
More info

On Thursday 18, YK Art House / Bong Bonlai present Rhythm & Rhyme for Palestine, featuring spoken word, music and an auction/raffle.  From 7 pm.  Tickets $5. 
More info

Also on Thursday 18, Institut francais presents a performance by the MeDha Women Drummers.  “MeDha is revolutionizing the cultural landscape and breaking traditional barriers with their electrifying performances. The troupe celebrates Cambodia’s rich heritage by breathing new life into traditional Khmer instruments, while also championing gender equality in the performing arts. Their dynamic fusion of percussion and dance showcases the incredible talent and resilience of Cambodian women, inspiring a new generation to chase their dreams without limits.”  $5/$3 entry
More info

Art for Kep has announced a multi-disciplinary artist talent contest – check here for details. 

The Black Box Theatre at Java TTP is closing, with Creative Generation to move to Friends Futures Factory.  But there’s one final event – an open stage on September 28 from 5 pm. 
More info

Ongoing….

Exhibitions:  

The Gallerist
Rolling exhibitions of mostly Cambodian artists.  Currently on display is work by Chhim Sothy.
More info

GAATO Cafe des Arts
Magic in the Air: The Yantra Kite Collection, featuring 30 handmade and handpainted kites by Yann Defond.  Until October 5. 
More info

Meta House
Whether I’m There, Or Not, a pop-up exhibition by Christopher Bryce Morris.  “Christopher Bryce Morris is a Los Angeles-born interdisciplinary artist who made Cambodia his art laboratory for the past decade. His work, in its many forms, is an endless dissection of identity and social anatomy. Where a mapping the self always an unfamiliar journey.” 
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 are paintings by Svay Ken.   “Svay Ken’s paintings illustrate scenes from everyday life in Cambodia that are often charged with the presence of unsettling forces beyond the picture frame.”
More info

Plantation
Human Canvas: Portraits of Identity, a solo photography exhibition by Joaquin Barata.  Exhibition runs until October 19. 
More info

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem Reap)
Harmony, a show by Morn Chear and Nak Noy with TRIBE Cambodia curated by Nat Di-Maggio.
More info

The River Gallery (Siem Reap)
Exhibition by Colors of Cambodia Collective featuring Hour Soben, Thy Channarak,
Sorm Narath, Loun Lon, Sophany Sor, Sophanin Sor, Bill Gentry, Son Kosal, Set Soeng
and Julia Haw.
More info

Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio.  Rolling exhibitions.  Media: Le Petit Journal (FR)(June 2025)

Silapak Trotchaek Pneik / YK Art House
Double Realities, a new series by Srun Rida.  Until 14 July.  Media:  Cambodianess
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

Tribe Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Reopened in their new location, 655 Hup Guan Street.   Media:  Kiripost
More info

Regular events, classes, sessions:

No Frame Party hosts weekend art workshops in a variety of forms at venues around Phnom Penh. 

Life Drawing Phnom Penh – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm, at Station 350.

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. 
More info

Traditional shadow art performance by Sovanna Phum Arts, every Friday from 5 pm at The Box Office/Speakeasy Theatre.

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 January – June 2025. 

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.  

Unknown's avatar

Kumnooh: Cambodia arts for week commencing 9 September 2025

by

Greetings:

Event listings:

Wednesday 10 at The Box Office, Comedy in Cambodia presents the improvised show Stand-up Unscripted at 7.30 pm. 
More info

On Wednesday 10 Meta House presents Whether I’m There, Or Not, a pop-up exhibition by Christopher Bryce Morris.  “Christopher Bryce Morris is a Los Angeles-born interdisciplinary artist who made Cambodia his art laboratory for the past decade. His work, in its many forms, is an endless dissection of identity and social anatomy. Where a mapping the self always an unfamiliar journey.”  From 6 pm. 
More info

Also on Wednesday 10, Plantation presents Human Canvas: Portraits of Identity, a solo photography exhibition by Joaquin Barata.  From 6 pm, exhibition runs until October 19. 
More info

On Saturday 13, Creative Generation present a lecture and workshop on Kapwa Butoh by Sasa Cabalquinto, a pioneering Butoh practitioner based in Manila.  “This workshop is designed for all ages from teens onward, with no prior background in Butoh, dance, or the performing arts required. It aims to plant a seed of interest in Butoh as a movement practice within the Cambodian arts community.”
More info

Coming to Meta House on September 16 is Saving Cham Culture, a multi-media group exhibition about Cambodian Muslims.
More info

On September 18, Institut francais presents a performance by the MeDha Women Drummers.  “MeDha is revolutionizing the cultural landscape and breaking traditional barriers with their electrifying performances. The troupe celebrates Cambodia’s rich heritage by breathing new life into traditional Khmer instruments, while also championing gender equality in the performing arts. Their dynamic fusion of percussion and dance showcases the incredible talent and resilience of Cambodian women, inspiring a new generation to chase their dreams without limits.”  $5/$3 entry
More info

Ongoing….

Exhibitions:  

F3 Gallery
Carts & Canopy – an art exhibition of line drawings by Chinese national and Phnom Penh resident Xiaolin.  Until September 12.
More info

The Gallerist
Rolling exhibitions of mostly Cambodian artists.  Currently on display is work by Chov Theanly.
More info

GAATO Cafe des Arts
Magic in the Air: The Yantra Kite Collection, featuring 30 handmade and handpainted kites by Yann Defond.  Until October 5. 
More info

Meta House
Crash and Bloom, an exhibition of paintings by Emily Marques.  “The title lends itself to her love of nature and her broad spectrum of artwork that focuses on the masses of flowers clamouring for the sun and waves that crash amongst themselves.”  Media: Kiripost  Until September 14.
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 are paintings by Svay Ken.   “Svay Ken’s paintings illustrate scenes from everyday life in Cambodia that are often charged with the presence of unsettling forces beyond the picture frame.”
More info

Plantation
Human Canvas: Portraits of Identity, a solo photography exhibition by Joaquin Barata.  Exhibition runs until October 19. 
More info

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem Reap)
Harmony, a show by Morn Chear and Nak Noy with TRIBE Cambodia curated by Nat Di-Maggio.
More info

The River Gallery (Siem Reap)
Exhibition by Colors of Cambodia Collective featuring Hour Soben, Thy Channarak, Sorm Narath, Loun Lon, Sophany Sor, Sophanin Sor, Bill Gentry, Son Kosal, Set Soeng and Julia Haw.
More info

Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio.  Rolling exhibitions.  Media: Le Petit Journal (FR)(June 2025)

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

Tribe Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Reopened in their new location, 655 Hup Guan Street.   Media:  Kiripost
More info

Regular events, classes, sessions:

N o w h e r e Art Studio (relocated to Maloop) offers a workshop on hand-building ceramics for beginners on Saturday 13 at 9.30 am (the Saturday 6 workshop is fully booked).
More info

No Frame Party hosts weekend art workshops in a variety of forms at venues around Phnom Penh. 

Life Drawing Phnom Penh – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm, at Station 350.

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. 
More info

Traditional shadow art performance by Sovanna Phum Arts, every Friday from 5 pm at The Box Office/Speakeasy Theatre.

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 January – June 2025. 

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.  

Unknown's avatar

Kumnooh: Cambodia arts for week commencing 2 September 2025

by

Greetings:

Event listings:

Wednesday 3 at The Box Office, Comedy in Cambodia presents the improvised show Stand-up Unscripted at 7.30 pm. 
More info

Friday 5 at GAATO Cafe des Arts on Koh Pich, the opening of Magic in the Air: The Yantra Kite Collection, featuring 30 handmade and handpainted kites by Yann Defond.  From 5.30 pm, until October 5. 
More info

And now for next week, when things are definitely happening:

On September 10 Meta House presents Whether I’m There, Or Not, a pop-up exhibition by Christopher Bryce Morris.  “Christopher Bryce Morris is a Los Angeles-born interdisciplinary artist who made Cambodia his art laboratory for the past decade. His work, in its many forms, is an endless dissection of identity and social anatomy. Where a mapping the self always an unfamiliar journey.”  From 6 pm. 
More info

Also on September 10, Plantation presents Human Canvas: Portraits of Identity, a solo photography exhibition by Joaquin Barata.  From 6 pm, exhibition runs until October 19. 
More info

On September 13, Creative Generation present a lecture and workshop on Kapwa Butoh by Sasa Cabalquinto, a pioneering Butoh practitioner based in Manila.  “This workshop is designed for all ages from teens onward, with no prior background in Butoh, dance, or the performing arts required. It aims to plant a seed of interest in Butoh as a movement practice within the Cambodian arts community.”
More info

Coming to Meta House on September 16 is Saving Cham Culture, a multi-media group exhibition about Cambodian Muslims.
More info

On September 18, Institut francais presents a performance by the MeDha Women Drummers.  “MeDha is revolutionizing the cultural landscape and breaking traditional barriers with their electrifying performances. The troupe celebrates Cambodia’s rich heritage by breathing new life into traditional Khmer instruments, while also championing gender equality in the performing arts. Their dynamic fusion of percussion and dance showcases the incredible talent and resilience of Cambodian women, inspiring a new generation to chase their dreams without limits.”  $5/$3 entry
More info

Ongoing….

Exhibitions:  

Blue Art Hub (Siem Reap)
Self-Punishment for Life, a new exhibition by Nget Chanpenh.  “Across 13 paintings rendered entirely in black and orange, he invites us on a journey in two acts: a somber descent into self-destruction (Paintings 1–6), where male figures dressed in orange garb are swallowed by black voids; a gradual reemergence (Paintings 8–13), where black silhouettes rise against radiant orange backdrops, like shadows at sunset.”  Until August 10. 
More info

F3 Gallery
Carts & Canopy – an art exhibition of line drawings by Chinese national and Phnom Penh resident Xiaolin.  Until September 12.
More info

The Gallerist
Rolling exhibitions of mostly Cambodian artists.  Currently on display is work by Nou Sary.
More info

Meta House
Crash and Bloom, an exhibition of paintings by Emily Marques.  “The title lends itself to her love of nature and her broad spectrum of artwork that focuses on the masses of flowers clamouring for the sun and waves that crash amongst themselves.”  Media: Kiripost  Until September 14.
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 are paintings by Svay Ken.   “Svay Ken’s paintings illustrate scenes from everyday life in Cambodia that are often charged with the presence of unsettling forces beyond the picture frame.”
More info

Plantation
Souvenir de Myope, an exhibition of paintings by Roma (Romain Garzonio).  “17 abstract paintings and 4 sculptures—shaped by the softened contours of his own myopic vision.” Until September 7.
More info

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem Reap)
Harmony, a show by Morn Chear and Nak Noy with TRIBE Cambodia curated by Nat Di-Maggio.
More info

The River Gallery (Siem Reap)
Exhibition by Colors of Cambodia Collective featuring Hour Soben, Thy Channarak,
Sorm Narath, Loun Lon, Sophany Sor, Sophanin Sor, Bill Gentry, Son Kosal, Set Soeng
and Julia Haw.
More info

Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio.  Rolling exhibitions.  Media: Le Petit Journal (FR)(June 2025)

Silapak Trotchaek Pneik / YK Art House
Double Realities, a new series by Srun Rida.  Until 14 July.  Media:  Cambodianess
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

Sra’Art
apART, an exhibition of paintings by the Kinza Lena in memory of the late Ender Erbek.  Until August 29. 
More info

Stairwell Gallery
“French-Cambodian artist and activist Adana Mam Legros uses art to explore Cambodia’s layered history and the emotional weight of its past. Her work reflects personal memories of
growing up during political unrest, while addressing the broader psychological impact
of Cambodia’s collective trauma.”
More info

Tribe Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Reopened in their new location, 655 Hup Guan Street.   Media:  Kiripost
More info

Regular events, classes, sessions:

N o w h e r e Art Studio (relocated to Maloop) offers a workshop on hand-building ceramics for beginners on Saturday 13 at 9.30 am (the Saturday 6 workshop is fully booked).
More info

No Frame Party hosts weekend art workshops in a variety of forms at venues around Phnom Penh. 

Life Drawing Phnom Penh – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm, at Station 350.

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. 
More info

Traditional shadow art performance by Sovanna Phum Arts, every Friday from 5 pm at The Box Office/Speakeasy Theatre.

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 January – June 2025. 

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.  

Unknown's avatar

Kumnooh: Cambodia arts for week commencing 26 August 2025

by

Greetings:

Event listings:

Wednesday 27 at The Box Office, Comedy in Cambodia presents Standup Unscripted at 7.30 pm. 
More info

Wednesday 27 at Creative Generation Lab /  Java Creative Cafe TTP presents the performance of Our Value, an original theatrical piece (work in progress), accompanied by an artist talk by the writer Prom Vorleak.  “This experimental theater piece explores the lives, resiliency, and vulnerability of four women based on true stories.”
More info

Thursday 28 at Sra’Art is the closing event for apART, an exhibition of paintings by the Kinza Lena in memory of the late Ender Erbek.  From 6 pm. 
More info

Coming simultaneously to Maloop , Kinin and Nesat Seafood House on Saturday 30 is Phnom Penh Eclectic, a group photographic exhibition organised by Phnom Penh Photography Collective and Cambodian Children’s Fund. 
More info

Also on Saturday 30, Phnom Penh Players are holding auditions for a new play, the world premiere of A Queen’s Birthday by Matt Thomas and Sian Kayleigh, at Sacred Lotus Café, 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm.
More info

Last chance this weekend to visit Cambodia: November 28, 1972 – April 7, 1975, an exhibition of photographs by Colin Grafton at Sosoro – Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum, in the temporary exhibition hall on Street 102.   Last day is Sunday 31. 
More info

Sunday 31 at Sister Srey Café in Siem Reap, Tribe Cambodia presents a meeting with artist Nak Noy.  1 pm – 4 pm.
More info

Ongoing….

Exhibitions:  

Blue Art Hub (Siem Reap)
Self-Punishment for Life, a new exhibition by Nget Chanpenh.  “Across 13 paintings rendered entirely in black and orange, he invites us on a journey in two acts: a somber descent into self-destruction (Paintings 1–6), where male figures dressed in orange garb are swallowed by black voids; a gradual reemergence (Paintings 8–13), where black silhouettes rise against radiant orange backdrops, like shadows at sunset.”  Until August 10. 
More info

F3 Gallery
Carts & Canopy – an art exhibition of line drawings by Chinese national and Phnom Penh resident Xiaolin.  Until September 12.
More info

The Gallerist
Rolling exhibitions of mostly Cambodian artists.  Currently on display is work by Nou Sary.
More info

Institut Francais
A photographic exhibition, Facing the Khmer Rouge – the French Embassy stuck in the collapse of Phnom Penh in April/May 1975.  Until August 22. 
More info

Meta House
Crash and Bloom, an exhibition of paintings by Emily Marques.  “The title lends itself to her love of nature and her broad spectrum of artwork that focuses on the masses of flowers clamouring for the sun and waves that crash amongst themselves.”  Media: Kiripost  Until September 14.
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 are paintings by Svay Ken.   “Svay Ken’s paintings illustrate scenes from everyday life in Cambodia that are often charged with the presence of unsettling forces beyond the picture frame.”
More info

Plantation
Souvenir de Myope, an exhibition of paintings by Roma (Romain Garzonio).  “17 abstract paintings and 4 sculptures—shaped by the softened contours of his own myopic vision.” Until September 7.
More info

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem Reap)
Harmony, a new show by Morn Chear and Nak Noy with TRIBE Cambodia curated by Nat Di-Maggio.
More info

The River Gallery (Siem Reap)
Exhibition by Colors of Cambodia Collective featuring Hour Soben, Thy Channarak,
Sorm Narath, Loun Lon, Sophany Sor, Sophanin Sor, Bill Gentry, Son Kosal, Set Soeng
and Julia Haw.
More info

Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio.  Rolling exhibitions.  Media: Le Petit Journal (FR)(June 2025)

Silapak Trotchaek Pneik / YK Art House
Double Realities, a new series by Srun Rida.  Until 14 July.  Media:  Cambodianess
More info

Sosoro – Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum
Cambodia: November 28, 1972 – April 7, 1975, an exhibition of photographs by Colin Grafton.  Until August 31 (closed on Mondays).    

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

Sra’Art
apART, an exhibition of paintings by the Kinza Lena in memory of the late Ender Erbek.  Until August 29. 
More info

Stairwell Gallery
“French-Cambodian artist and activist Adana Mam Legros uses art to explore Cambodia’s layered history and the emotional weight of its past. Her work reflects personal memories of
growing up during political unrest, while addressing the broader psychological impact
of Cambodia’s collective trauma.”
More info

Tribe Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Reopened in their new location, 655 Hup Guan Street.   Media:  Kiripost
More info

Regular events, classes, sessions:

N o w h e r e Art Studio (relocated to Maloop) offers a workshop on hand-building ceramics for beginners on Saturday 30 at 9.30 am.
More info

No Frame Party hosts weekend art workshops in a variety of forms at venues around Phnom Penh. 

Life Drawing Phnom Penh – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm, at Station 350.

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. 
More info

Traditional shadow art performance by Sovanna Phum Arts, every Friday from 5 pm at The Box Office/Speakeasy Theatre.

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 January – June 2025. 

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.  

Unknown's avatar

Kumnooh: Cambodia arts for week commencing 19 August 2025

by

Greetings:

Event listings:

Now open at F3 Gallery is Carts & Canopy – an art exhibition of line drawings by Chinese national and Phnom Penh resident Xiaolin.  Until September 12.
More info

Wednesday 20 at The Box Office, Comedy in Cambodia presents standup unscripted at 7.30 pm, then on Saturday 23 a standup comedy showcase – same location, same time. 
More info

On Saturday 23 and Sunday 24, at Sosoro – Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum, Colin Grafton will give gallery talks as part of the exhibition of photographs Cambodia: November 28, 1972 – April 7, 1976.
More info

On August 27 at Creative Generation Lab /  Java Creative Cafe TTP, the performance of Our Value, an original theatrical piece (work in progress), accompanied by an artist talk by the writer Prom Vorleak.  “This experimental theater piece explores the lives, resiliency, and vulnerability of four women based on true stories.”
More info

Coming simultaneously to Maloop , Kinin and Nesat Seafood House on August 30 is Phnom Penh Eclectic, a group photographic exhibition organised by Phnom Penh Photography Collective and Cambodian Children’s Fund. 
More info

Ongoing….

Exhibitions:  

Blue Art Hub (Siem Reap)
Self-Punishment for Life, a new exhibition by Nget Chanpenh.  “Across 13 paintings rendered entirely in black and orange, he invites us on a journey in two acts: a somber descent into self-destruction (Paintings 1–6), where male figures dressed in orange garb are swallowed by black voids; a gradual reemergence (Paintings 8–13), where black silhouettes rise against radiant orange backdrops, like shadows at sunset.”  Until August 10. 
More info

The Gallerist
Rolling exhibitions of mostly Cambodian artists.  Currently on display is work by Nou Sary.
More info
Institut Francais
A photographic exhibition, Facing the Khmer Rouge – the French Embassy stuck in the collapse of Phnom Penh in April/May 1975.  Until August 22. 
More info

Meta House
Crash and Bloom, an exhibition of paintings by Emily Marques.  “The title lends itself to her love of nature and her broad spectrum of artwork that focuses on the masses of flowers clamouring for the sun and waves that crash amongst themselves.”  Media: Kiripost  Until September 14.
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 are paintings by Svay Ken.   “Svay Ken’s paintings illustrate scenes from everyday life in Cambodia that are often charged with the presence of unsettling forces beyond the picture frame.”
More info

Plantation
Souvenir de Myope, an exhibition of paintings by Roma (Romain Garzonio).  “17 abstract paintings and 4 sculptures—shaped by the softened contours of his own myopic vision.” Until September 7.
More info

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem Reap)
Harmony, a new show by Morn Chear and Nak Noy with TRIBE Cambodia curated by Nat Di-Maggio.
More info

The River Gallery (Siem Reap)
Exhibition by Colors of Cambodia Collective featuring Hour Soben, Thy Channarak,
Sorm Narath, Loun Lon, Sophany Sor, Sophanin Sor, Bill Gentry, Son Kosal, Set Soeng
and Julia Haw.
More info

Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio.  Rolling exhibitions.  Media: Le Petit Journal (FR)(June 2025)

Silapak Trotchaek Pneik / YK Art House
Double Realities, a new series by Srun Rida.  Until 14 July.  Media:  Cambodianess
More info

Sosoro – Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum
Cambodia: November 28, 1972 – April 7, 1976, an exhibition of photographs by Colin Grafton.  Until August 31(closed on Mondays).  Gallery talks are scheduled for Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 at 4 pm.  

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

Sra’Art
apART, an exhibition of paintings by the Kinza Lena in memory of the late Ender Erbek.  Until July 21. 
More info

Stairwell Gallery
“French-Cambodian artist and activist Adana Mam Legros uses art to explore Cambodia’s layered history and the emotional weight of its past. Her work reflects personal memories of
growing up during political unrest, while addressing the broader psychological impact
of Cambodia’s collective trauma.”
More info

Tribe Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Reopened in their new location, 655 Hup Guan Street.   Media:  Kiripost
More info

Regular events, classes, sessions:

N o w h e r e Art Studio (relocated to Maloop) offers  More info

No Frame Party hosts weekend art workshops in a variety of forms at venues around Phnom Penh. 

Life Drawing Phnom Penh – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm, at Station 350.

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. 
More info

Traditional shadow art performance by Sovanna Phum Arts, every Friday from 5 pm at The Box Office/Speakeasy Theatre.

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 January – June 2025. 

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.  

 

Unknown's avatar

Kumnooh: Cambodia arts for week commencing 12 August 2025

by

Kumnooh: Cambodia arts for week commencing 12 August 2025

Greetings:

Drop Cloth: a few things you might not know about

Colin Grafton.   These days widely known in Cambodia as a harmonica player and singer, Colin was present in Phnom Penh from November 1972 to April 1975, during which time he was taking photographs.  An exhibition of his photos from that period are to be on display at Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum – Sosoro, opening on Saturday 16 and running through to August 31(closed on Mondays).  Additionally, gallery talks are scheduled for Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 at 4 pm.   Colin says: “I see these questions are about artists in the fields of visual or performing arts, so I shall try to keep music (which is my favourite art) out of it. It might be difficult.”

An artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is overrated 
For some reason, the iconic Andy Warhol springs to mind. I never watched any of his films (all the way through) so I may be biased.  But then I never watched the Empire State Building for eight hours either.  Andy made a few statements, but that’s it for me.  Nowadays, the more that technology is involved at the expense of human endeavour in art, the less interested I am.

An artist or an aspect of the arts that you think is underrated 
Difficult question. Are we talking about on an international basis? I’m a bit out of touch with that. Cambodia has some brilliant artists in the fields of visual art – Sopheap Pich, Thang Sothea, the Battambang Romcheik 5 painters – and dance -Sophiline, the New Cambodian Artists, the Buppha Devi dancers – and they are getting some attention on the world stage… but not enough. I almost forgot photographers! Kim Hak and Philong Sovan, and of course Steve Porte.

An early art memory 
Thank you for asking that question… (a ploy used for Q&A when you can’t think of a good answer). Apart from Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Men on TV, I think of painting. I developed an early appreciation of the Impressionists, probably because that’s how I saw the world as a child until my teacher realised I needed glasses. After that came Surrealism (Salvador Dali) and Hieronymous Bosch. A bit dark. I tried painting. My art teacher’s comment: “Hmm, meaty”.

The last thing you had to eat 
An easy one: egg-and-shallot fried rice with Japanese rice bran radish pickles, sautéed chicken breast with Australian fake Colman’s mustard, miso soup with wakame seaweed and aburaage fried tofu, and tomato and cucumber salad.

How did you get your start? 
Start what? In the art world? Well, I’m not an artist, but I fell into photography in Laos 55 years ago when I bought a secondhand Olympus Pen from an American housewife for $5. It was my first good camera. A second start, I suppose, came when I returned to Cambodia with a load of old photos and found people were interested in them.

When did you first come to / first leave Cambodia? 
Due to recent research, I now know that I first entered the Khmer Republic on 28th November 1972, and then I left on 7th April 1975.

A book or movie you keep going back to 
I’m a bit of a movie freak but I don’t get enough time to go back much. A few favourites (I can’t choose one) are “Withnail and I”, “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead”, “Kwaidan” and “Tampopo” (Japanese), “Dreamchild” and “The Taming of the Shrew” (Liz Taylor/Richard Burton version). I can always go back to those. Books… again I don’t go back much. I used to read a lot of fiction. “Steppenwolf” and Herman Hesse made a big impression. “The Quiet American” (it’s what you might expect?), “The Honorary Consul” and “Travels With My Aunt” (I was in Paraguay for three years) from Graham Greene. And definitely Norman Lewis’s “A Dragon Apparent”.

What languages do you speak? 
Linguistically, I am a train wreck, which is most unfortunate. It could have made life much easier and more interesting, but I don’t have a knack for languages. So my English is not bad (even if they can’t understand me in London) and I have smatterings of French and Spanish and smutterings of Japanese, Lao and Khmer.

A country that you would like to visit 
Many beginning with”M”: Mali, Madagascar & Mongolia. Mainly for the Music.

Something people might be surprised to know about you
I have (very diluted) Portuguese royal family blood in my veins. My brother found that out.

A question from the last participant: What is a significant turning point in your life and how has it altered its trajectory?
There were four. Leaving England to come to Asia in 1969 (the Plan was for one year); being in Cambodia in 1975 (led me to Japan); meeting my wife in 1999; and an elderly dancer in Japan in 2007 (brought me back here).

Event listings:

Opening Saturday 16 at Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum – Sosoro in the Temporary Exhibition Hall is Cambodia : November 28, 1972-April 7, 1975, a panoramic retrospective of photographs taken by Colin Grafton in Cambodia between 1972 and 1975, with special focus on the gemstone area of Pailin and the Khmer classical dance troupe, and a backdrop of life in the city of Phnom Penh during the civil war. Until August 31, 9:00-18:00, closed Mondays. Gallery talks will be held on August 23 and 24 at 4 pm.

Coming on August 23 at The Box Office: Comedy in Cambodia presents a standup comedy showcase.  7.30 pm. 
More info

Ongoing….

Exhibitions:  

Blue Art Hub (Siem Reap)
Self-Punishment for Life, a new exhibition by Nget Chanpenh.  “Across 13 paintings rendered entirely in black and orange, he invites us on a journey in two acts: a somber descent into self-destruction (Paintings 1–6), where male figures dressed in orange garb are swallowed by black voids; a gradual reemergence (Paintings 8–13), where black silhouettes rise against radiant orange backdrops, like shadows at sunset.”  Until August 10. 
More info

The Gallerist
Rolling exhibitions of mostly Cambodian artists.  Currently on display is work by Nou Sary.
More info

Institut Francais
A photographic exhibition, Facing the Khmer Rouge – the French Embassy stuck in the collapse of Phnom Penh in April/May 1975.  Until August 22. 
More info

Meta House
Crash and Bloom, an exhibition of paintings by Emily Marques.  “The title lends itself to her love of nature and her broad spectrum of artwork that focuses on the masses of flowers clamouring for the sun and waves that crash amongst themselves.” 
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 are paintings by Svay Ken.   “Svay Ken’s paintings illustrate scenes from everyday life in Cambodia that are often charged with the presence of unsettling forces beyond the picture frame.”
More info

Plantation
Souvenir de Myope, an exhibition of paintings by Roma (Romain Garzonio).  “17 abstract paintings and 4 sculptures—shaped by the softened contours of his own myopic vision.” Until September 7.
More info

Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (Siem Reap)
Harmony, a new show by Morn Chear and Nak Noy with TRIBE Cambodia curated by Nat Di-Maggio.
More info

The River Gallery (Siem Reap)
Exhibition by Colors of Cambodia Collective featuring Hour Soben, Thy Channarak,
Sorm Narath, Loun Lon, Sophany Sor, Sophanin Sor, Bill Gentry, Son Kosal, Set Soeng
and Julia Haw.
More info

Romchiek 5 Art Space
Battambang contemporary art studio.  Rolling exhibitions.  Media: Le Petit Journal (FR)(June 2025)

Silapak Trotchaek Pneik / YK Art House
Double Realities, a new series by Srun Rida.  Until 14 July.  Media:  Cambodianess
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

Sra’Art
apART, an exhibition of paintings by the Kinza Lena in memory of the late Ender Erbek.  Until July 21. 
More info

Stairwell Gallery
“French-Cambodian artist and activist Adana Mam Legros uses art to explore Cambodia’s layered history and the emotional weight of its past. Her work reflects personal memories of
growing up during political unrest, while addressing the broader psychological impact
of Cambodia’s collective trauma.”
More info

Tribe Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Reopened in their new location, 655 Hup Guan Street.   Media:  Kiripost
More info

Regular events, classes, sessions:

N o w h e r e Art Studio (relocated to Maloop) offers  More info

No Frame Party hosts weekend art workshops in a variety of forms at venues around Phnom Penh. 

Life Drawing Phnom Penh – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm, at Station 350.

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. 
More info

Traditional shadow art performance by Sovanna Phum Arts, every Friday from 5 pm at The Box Office/Speakeasy Theatre.

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 January – June 2025. 

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.