Channy Chhoeun Explained

Channy Chhoeun (born 1988) is a Cambodian visual artist

Biography

Channy Chhoeun was born in 1988 in Songkae District, Battambang province. In 1998, his family participated in a government relocation program designed to provide underprivileged families with land for agricultural purposes. They moved to a rural area approximately 100 kilometers from Battambang.^[1]

As a young boy growing up in this new environment, Chhoeun found solace and expression in drawing. Using the dirt as his canvas and a stick as his tool, he developed a unique artistic style. His creativity allowed him to escape his surroundings and explore a world of imagination. This early talent did not go unnoticed, and Chhoeun's artistic abilities began to garner attention.

Teachers at primary school often gave him rewards for his artwork, but it was his father who recognized his talent and potential. When he heard about a school that provided free education in Battambang called Phare Ponleu Selpak, Chhoeun was enrolled in 2006; he graduated in 2013^{[2] [3]}

Channy currently resides in Siem Reap, Cambodia. He has been selected by Vivu Journeys to be included in their "Local Legends" program.^[4]

Artwork, themes and techniques

Chhoeun is known for his vibrant acrylic paintings featuring wildlife, particularly birds. His work often explores the complex relationship between humans, birds, and the environment, highlighting the dangers faced by wildlife in the modern world.^[5]

Inspired by his childhood experiences, Chhoeun initially enjoyed hunting birds with a catapult. However, as he matured, he developed a deeper appreciation for the vulnerability of animals and the negative impact of human activities on their survival.^[6] This newfound awareness is reflected in his art.

Cambodian visual artist Nou Sary has described Chhoeun’s work as “beautiful at one glance but as you look at them longer, you will understand the numerous messages they are conveying.” This sentiment captures the artist's ability to create visually appealing pieces that also convey powerful social and environmental messages.^[7]

In addition to his works on canvas, Chhoeun has illustrated three children's books with the Sanloeuk Thmey Publishing House. In 2010, he attended an Illustrators' Workshop conducted by Room to Read Cambodia.^[8]

Exhibits

• The Gallerist, Phnom Penh: Jan 2024, “Spectrum of Nature”, group exhibit^{[9] [10]}
• Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra: Nov 2022 – Jan 2023, “The Long Eclipse“, solo exhibit^[11]
• ArtXchange, Seattle: May-Jul 2020, “Contemporary Cambodia“, group exhibit^[12]
• Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra: Aug – Oct 2019, “Out of Control”, solo exhibit^[13]
• Le Meridien Angkor, Siem Reap: Nov 2018, “Perspectives”, Group exhibit^[14]
• Galerie Impressions, Paris: May 2018, “Phare, Lumiere des Arts”, group exhibit
• Rosewood, Phnom Penh: Jan – Mar 2018, “In the Balance”, group exhibit
• The Aviary, Siem Reap: Dec 2016, “Shelter”, solo exhibit^[15]
• Institute Francais, Phnom Penh: 2014, “Made in Battambang”, group exhibit
• US Embassy, Phnom Penh: 2012, “Mekong Life”, group exhibit
• Battambang University, Battambang: 2011, “Gender”, group exhibit
• Institute Francais, Phnom Penh: 2010, “Newly Rich”, group exhibit
• Institute Francais, Phnom Penh: 2010, “Cambodia Women Charcoal Portrait”, group exhibit
• Institute Francais, Phnom Penh: 2009, “Water Lily”, group exhibit

Notes and References

1. Web site: From A Dropout To Renowned Artist . 2024-08-30 . kiripost.com . en.
2. Web site: Star . Tim Johnson Special to the . 2017-09-06 . Siem Reap reclaims its culture . 2024-08-30 . Toronto Star . en.
3. News: Pann . Rethea . August 5, 2019 . Environmentalism and social issues tackled with abstract art . The Phnom Penh Post.
4. Web site: Channy Chhoeun . 2024-08-30 . Vivu Journeys . en-US.
5. Web site: 2024-03-03 . Channy Chhoeun's Eye on Nature . 2024-08-30 . Prestige Online - Cambodia . en-KH.
6. Web site: An Artist Raises Awareness of Environment and Wildlife through his Paintings . 2024-08-30 . cambodianess.com . en.
7. News: Taing . Rinith . August 9, 2019 . When Nature Goes 'Out of Control' . The Khmer Times.
8. Web site: Room to Read . 2024-08-30 . literacycloud.org.
9. Web site: Presse . Partenaire . 2023-12-04 . Rappel & Exposition : " Le spectre de la nature " avec trois artistes d'exception . 2024-08-30 . Cambodgemag . fr.
10. Web site: Exhibits . 2024-08-30 . Channy Chhoeun . en-US.
11. Web site: Presse . Partenaire . 2022-11-03 . Phnom Penh & Exposition : La Longue Eclipse de Channy Chhoeun . 2024-08-30 . Cambodgemag . fr.
12. Web site: Contemporary Cambodia ArtX Contemporary . 2024-08-30 . artxcontemporary.com . en.
13. Web site: For Life and Nature – an Artist's Appeal . 2024-08-30 . cambodianess.com . en.
14. Web site: 2018-10-22 . Arts – Portraits croisés : " Perspectives ", une palette de talents au Meridien Angkor . 2024-08-30 . Cambodgemag . fr.
15. Web site: Aviary_admin . 2016-11-25 . Channy Chhoeun Exhibition at The Aviary Hotel . 2024-08-30 . The Aviary Hotel Siem Reap . en-AU.