63-year-old Vann Nath, much known for his painting of infamous Khmer Rouge’s prison known as S-21, is being hospitalized, and friend Rithy Panh is looking for support on his behalf.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum survivor’s 1998-book ‘A Cambodian Prison Portrait: One Year in the Khmer Rouge S-21 Prison,’ is also available on Amazon.
Photo courtesy of Vann Nath
Born in northwest Battambang, Cambodia, Vann Nath is one of seven survivors of the Khmer Rouge’s secret prison known as S-21 (Toul Sleng, where 14,000 men, women and children were interrogated, tortured and executed during the 1975-79 Pol Pot regime in Cambodia. As one of Cambodia’s most prominent artists, his painting skill kept him alive at prison.
Rithy Panh is an internationally acclaimed Cambodian documentary film director and screenwriter.
Dear Friends
Please allow me to send you this urgent call for help.
Vann Nath whom you all know as a S-21 survivor, a painter and a restless and dedicated witness of the Khmer Rouge regime atrocities has been admitted on Tuesday to the emergency unit at Calmette Hospital, in Phnom Penh: This is the only institution which seems to be able to treat the bowel (duodenom) and stomach haemorrhage he is suffering from (though, I am not in position to give you further details).
Vann Nath is fighting for his life, and his wife and children stand by him. However, their financial resources cannot sustain such medical costs for long.
With Vann Nath’s agreement, I am therefore sending this appeal for funds in order to help his family to pay for medical bills and to support them through such painful struggle. Whatever the amount, any donation you may send will show your solidarity and support to him and his family.
I am very grateful for any contribution you may give.
Donations can be sent in a sealed envelope to Elen Gallien, at the Bophana Center (n°64 street 200). She is in charge of collecting all donations until Saturday included. Her telephone number is 092 132 718.
I truly thank you for your help.
Morover, if any of you’s blood type is A+ or O+ and is willing to donate their blood, please give me your contact details so that we can contact you whenever that might be necessary.
Best wishes and many thanks,
Rithy Panh
2 comments
S-21 prison painting on sale » Cambopedia says:
May 6, 2010
[...] With the presence of Vann Nath’s children, limited printings series of Vann Nath’s painting will be available to purchase. All [...]
Irish artist on Van Nath » Cambopedia says:
Jun 3, 2010
[...] Ó Croidheáin blogged about the famed painter describing him as a (social) realist artist: Vann Nath is an outspoken advocate for justice for victims of the [...]