Phnom Penh & Exhibition: Netratuoh (Viewlines) by Prum Ero

SNA Arts Management is delighted to present Netratuoh (Sightlines), the second solo exhibition by artist Prum Ero. The exhibition features a series of photographs, an experimental sound installation, and a projection of documents from the artist's personal archives.

By turning to nature, observing man-made architectural landscapes and highlighting the beautiful forms of underwater architecture created by nature, the artist explores the complex relationship between man and nature. Through a thoughtful interplay of ideas, techniques and observations, the artist explores the complex relationship between humans and nature, driven by curiosity, concern and a deep reflection on the environment and the future. ‘Pteah Cham Dei’ is an ongoing photographic series, started in 2018 by Prum Ero and presented on green billboards in the first gallery.

The artist loves adventure and exploring every nook and cranny of varied landscapes, from plains to high plateaus.

He often sees houses in the middle of nowhere or in specific uninhabited areas, which seems to indicate to us that these houses have a role as guardians and preservers of the land, to show others that this land has an owner or belongs to someone and is being preserved. These houses are habitable for a certain period of time, but often collapse after a few seasons due to the unstable structure of their foundations. Sometimes these houses spring up like mushrooms, but within a few weeks, many are maintained or rebuilt.

While some places seem to have been inhabited for a long time, new people also come to settle and live there. Ero is deeply interested in the process by which human beings seek to find a place to live or try in some way to appropriate land, as land issues can have an impact on personal needs. This transition is often accompanied by significant social and economic repercussions related to the shift from forest areas to community-managed land in developing regions.

A series of photographs entitled Sangket Sakor, produced in 2020, a sound experience and a projection of documents from the artist's personal archives are presented in the second and third galleries. Ero's interest in nature and architecture inspires him to explore the complex relationship between the natural environment and architectural landscapes in his work.

Ero observed that coral reefs are magnificent architectural forms created by nature. Coral reefs and architectural landscapes form complex layers within ecosystems. When in balance, these environments nurture dynamic aquatic species, preserve biodiversity, regulate seabed temperatures, and support both natural habitats and human communities. In this work, we see a line of light tracing the outline and crossing the coral reef, highlighting the architectural landscapes.

This line illuminates an urgent call for public awareness of these magnificent natural architectures, serving as an artistic representation that advocates for the protection of natural boundaries. By celebrating these magnificent natural architectural forms, this work encourages critical awareness of the harmful effects of human activity on the marine environment.

The Netratuoh (Sightlines) exhibition brings together experiences, experimental techniques and emerging ideas to explore community architectural landscapes, encouraging visitors to reflect on the challenges of environmental conservation and development in our contemporary world.

About the artist

PrumEro was born in 1989 and lives and works in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He is a documentary filmmaker working in photography and videography. In addition to his own work, he has also collaborated with many renowned artists and filmmakers on various projects in Cambodia and abroad. His works are inspired by nature, architectural landscapes and the information process.

His works have been featured in various exhibitions, including Vertical Exhibition by Sa Sa Art Projects & Raintree (២០២៣); Virtual Reality Exhibition, ASEAN-EU Cultural Festival (2022); Invisible Voices (Treeline Artist Grants) ‘SongketSakor’, Treeline Urban Resort, Siem Reap (2020); Projection Evening, Angkor Photo Festival, Siem Reap (2018); Bring Forest to the City, Bophana, Phnom Penh (2017); Phnom Penh's Corner Architecture, Bophana, Phnom Penh (2015); and Sangker Memories, Sangker Gallery, Battambang (2014).

About SNA Arts Management

SNA Arts Management is the first agency based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, connecting contemporary Cambodian visual artists with the wider art world. With extensive experience working with galleries, other art spaces and art organisations at the local and international level, our main objective is to promote Cambodian visual arts and raise awareness of artists in local and international art markets. We offer strategic career management, professional advice, professional art spaces/collections/storage and advisory services to visual artists at all stages of their careers. We also support and encourage their artistic development.

I have spent my life surrounded by the arts. I grew up in a family of performing artists and married a visual artist. I have a deep respect for beauty and creativity. I live to share my passion for the arts with others by showcasing the work of Cambodian visual artists to people around the world.

– Chum Chanveasna (SNA)

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• Until 29 August 2025

• Opening hours: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (open in the morning by appointment only, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

• Closed on Sundays, Mondays and public holidays

• SNA Arts Management, No. 16, BT Street (Borey Sambath Mean Heng 3), Phum Tangov Kandal, Sangkat Niroth, Khan Chba Ampoeu, Phnom Penh 121203, Cambodia

• Information: sna.artsmanagement@gmail.com, +855 12 422 062