Phnom Penh & Exhibition: Ramya Chuon, “Exhibiting in Cambodia: A True Quest for Identity”

Chantha R
7 days ago
3 min read

Discovered by local gallery owners through Cambodge Mag and Chantha R, artist Ramya Chuon is exhibiting some of her works at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal as part of the TranscenDance exhibition with DinArt. This is an opportunity to look back on the career of this extraordinary Franco-Khmer artist.

Tell us a little about yourself...

I arrived in France when I was four years old, and drawing turned out to be my best way of communicating with other children, especially for overcoming the language barrier. It has remained my best tool for language, communication, and sharing.

What inspired you when you started?

As a child, everything around me.

Do you have one or more artists who inspire you?

I don't really have any favorite artists, because I'm curious by nature and interested in all forms of art. That said, several people have inspired me:

In painting, it was Yan Pei Ming, who was my painting teacher when I was at art school and who, above all, made me understand how to convey energy and power through painting, which is remarkable in his monumental portraits!

“Giuseppe Penone's sculptures have given me a new perspective on the world in perpetual metamorphosis, which time produces on matter and which transcends human time.”

He shows time as instant and eternity, birth and death. I also like the pure forms of furniture by designers Philippe Starck and Ron Arad and the organic and living architecture of Félix Candela and Zaha Hadid.

Work by Ramya Chuon. Photograph supplied

What are your current sources of inspiration?

My main source remains my daily life and everything related to it, such as moments spent with loved ones, friends, colleagues, strangers, nature... My ultimate goal is to unconsciously transcribe the state of things, but also to give a touch of optimism to a sometimes gloomy future.

What is your view of Cambodia and society today?

I became interested in Cambodia the day I became aware of my origins, and I am discovering a great culture, rich in history and beauty, crowned with great spirituality. From my outside perspective, I would describe the Kingdom as a country “in progress.”

“I sense that it is being shaped by influences from our current era, in all areas.”

After a very recent trauma, the new generation will certainly have to prove itself in order to adapt to a world that is changing at breakneck speed!

How do you see the current position of Cambodian artists?

“It's a time of artistic introspection... Cambodian artists have a rich history and a sensitivity that runs deep. They express openly, through art, their desire to show the world their unbridled creativity (no pun intended).”

Cambodian artists seem to be coming to terms with their history as they rediscover it, producing works that reveal something deep and buried, which seems to be inscribed in their flesh with a profound sense of nostalgia, of a significant history, of a memory...

Have you ever exhibited in Cambodia?

I have never exhibited in Cambodia.

What are your plans for the Khmer Srok?

Exhibiting in Cambodia is a real quest for identity for me. The desire is there, renewed and strong. There is still this desire to find something lost. Exhibiting in Cambodia is a real opportunity.

You are known for particularly enjoying live performances. How does that make you feel?

I'm known in my village in Burgundy for live painting... for now, this art form is a playground where I can flourish artistically and express my “instinctiveness” by releasing recycled energy produced by the subtle forces that surround us.

What are your best memories as a live artist?

I remember my first live painting, which was a real challenge! Painting in front of an audience was very exposing and took a bit of courage, but after a few performances, I lost my inhibitions thanks to the kind looks from the audience.

What feedback do you have about your presence at the Lyon Festival?

It was my first live performance in Lyon, and both the experience and the people I met were simply amazing. The presence of the Apsaras at my stand remains a very powerful moment! I was exhibiting two large-format pieces that I had created for the occasion, Hannuman and Apsara.