Two exhibition openings and panel discussion featuring two different
generations of women artists in Cambodia
/Water/, traditional paintings by Doung Saree
/Street Life Phnom Penh/, paintings and sculptures by Chhan Dina
6-10pm Friday, June 17, 2011
6:30pm Panel discussion in Khmer, moderated by You Muoy
7:00pm Panel discussion in English, moderated by Lydia Parusol,
independent curator*
‘Water’ is the first solo exhibition of one of Cambodia’s most esteemed female painters, Doung Saree. The traditional images are at
once a joyful and poetic tribute to the life-blood of the natural world, and a reflection on Saree’s own artistic journey – a journey
that has sent ripples across contemporary art in Cambodia, contributing greatly to the education of many artists practicing
today.
Born in 1957, Doung Saree studied Plastic Arts at the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) in Phnom Penh. The arrival of the Khmer Rouge cut short this education, and she was forced into exile in Preah Vihear province for seven years. She returned to Phnom Penh in 1982 to continue her studies, and also began teaching at RUFA and the Reyum Institute. Over the last decade her profile has steadily increased; her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and in 2010 she was awarded the inaugural You Khin Memorial Women’s Art Prize.
Saree defines herself as a traditional painter, both in choice of subject matter and in style. Her oeuvre is largely composed of acrylic
and watercolour landscapes on canvas, frequently depicting domesticity in Khmer culture. Her references to Khmer folklore, and use of clearly outlined flat-fields of colour, are tropes typical of early modern Cambodian painting. Of particular note in this series is Saree’s
strong use of colour: a vivid celebration of the exuberance and diversity of our surrounding environment.
‘Street Life Phnom Penh’ – This exhibition of abstract paintings and sculptures by contemporary artist Chhan Dina, depicts the bustling
streets of Phnom Penh as sites of contrasting experience. It considers the streets as the backdrop of people’s existence; as a place to work, rest, socialise, and for young children to play. Colourful portraits of everyday activities sit against starker images of urban poverty. These images highlight the city’s streets as literal and symbolic pathways, taking people to diverging and sometimes bleak places.
For those of us living in cities, the streets are the canvas upon which we experience our lives. Dina applies various types of paint and
uses an elaborate scope of colour to portray the differing experiences of urban life. Using acrylic, water colour and enamel paint, a dark palette conveys the hardships of those whom call the city’s pavements home, whilst the brighter shades show the energy and industriousness of working life. Intimate portraits contrast with broader studies of the exchanges and practices that coexist in the city, which are depicted at a greater distance.
This body of work is largely derived from Dina’s time spent teaching those who have come from the countryside and live on the streets.
Forced by the necessity to make money for their families, life is being lived day to day and without time or support to find a
sustainable income. The resultant works however, oscillate between alluding to a community formed through shared experiences and
representing individuals who are clearly displaced. (Text by Natalie Pace, independent curator)
Exhibitions details:
Showing June 17 – July 24, 2011
Java Café & Gallery
56 Sihanouk Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Open daily 7am – 10pm
