Cambodia : Art Blossoms from Palm Tree Trunks in Battambang.

In Battambang province, works of art emerge from an unlikely support: the trunk of a palm tree. Reaching more than two meters in height, this ordinary-looking tree houses the striking drawings of Keo Sobin, a local artist.

The sculptor Keo Sobin transforms palm trunks into unique artistic pieces. Photo supplied

Aged 33 and living in Wat Kandal village in Battambang city, Sobin first studied electronics at the National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia (INPC). However, after graduating, he dedicated himself to his lifelong passion: the arts. He spent a year learning drawing, enriching his skills through diligent research and the study of ancient temple walls.

"Although I acquired electronics skills, it was my deep desire to draw that led me down this path. I aspire to live through my art, promoting Cambodian arts and culture," Sobin confides.

Despite his family roots in Banang village in Sdao commune, he chose solitude in Wat Kandal. He earns his living by expressing his artistic talents through sculptures and drawings.

Looking back on his six-year artistic journey, Sobin reveals that his works adorn public spaces in some parts of Battambang province. However, many people are unaware that these drawings and sculptures are the fruit of his creative efforts.

To create a work, Sobin starts by selecting a palm stump, usually 2.5 meters long and 0.70 meters in diameter. The stump is then transformed into a canvas where traditional Khmer artistic styles bring to life stories from the Great Khmer Empire, featuring legendary figures like Indra Devi and Jayavarman VII.

His skills encompass not only painting but also sculpture. His creations range from paintings on bamboo to lanterns adorned with floral sculptures. These works will be exhibited at the upcoming "Clean City" exhibition in Battambang, an event showcasing art from various countries, including Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Keo Sobin's works find their place on various surfaces, even on gourds and eggshells. His traditional Khmer themes add artistic value to what is usually discarded, an initiative that contributes to environmental sustainability.

"By transforming thrown-away objects into valuable pieces, we reduce environmental waste. These materials are easily accessible, and it just takes skill to reshape them," comments Mr. Sobin.

The artist believes his role as a creator also involves nurturing future generations. He wants to teach young people to appreciate the Khmer ancestral heritage.

Keo Sobin's artistic process begins by polishing the selected palm trunk to smooth out its roughness. He then sands the surface before starting to draw three-dimensional motifs. He uses black to accentuate the sketched forms.

The artist derives most of his income from selling lanterns carved from coconut shells, priced at $5 for standard sculptures and $15 for more complex ones. He also sells bamboo lanterns, priced between $15 and $30 depending on complexity. He now counts souvenir shops and restaurants among his clients, who commission coconut and bamboo lanterns.

His first palm tree artwork was sold to a Frenchman for $500 to be displayed in a Battambang hotel. However, Sobin reveals that he intended to donate his second palm tree artwork to a public institution rather than sell it.

Prak Sonnara, Director General of Heritage and spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, raises no objections to Sobin's unique choice of material for his work. According to him, sculptures of Cambodian heroes such as Indra Devi or King Jayavarman VII pose no problem, even if carved on unconventional surfaces like wood, stone, or metal.

Mr. Sonnara emphasizes the importance of where the art is displayed:

"For example, a statue of a deity must be placed in a designated spot for prayer and worship. If misplaced, it harms conservation efforts."

Keo Sobin's artistic journey, marked by the unique intersection of tradition and innovation, continues on the palm trunks of Battambang. By carving out a place in the art world, Keo Sobin also contributes to a brighter future for Cambodia's cultural heritage.

Kim Sarom with our partner The Phnom Penh Post