This November, Cambodia welcomes its inaugural contemporary art celebration at the historic Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA), bringing together artists, international partners, and the public in a landmark five-day event coinciding with the 20th Francophonie Summit.
Throughout the years I’ve travelled Southeast Asia and visited a few countries and cities there, but somehow I never made it to Cambodia. The family of a friend of mine has multiple ties to Cambodia. Not only did she live and work in the country, but she also fell in love with the place at a young age and have frequently returned ever since. Inspired by her photos and personal experiences, I heard the news of a Cambodian art initiative with great interest.
Phnom Penh Contemporary emerges as Cambodia’s first dedicated contemporary art event, marking a transformative moment for the country’s cultural landscape. Initiated by the Anicca Foundation and led by founder Marina Pok the mission of the exhibition is to present Cambodian creative voices on a global stage.
“After a decade sharing arty journeys within Cambodia, I feel that it is time to embody our mission as the catalyst between a growing Cambodian contemporary voice and the appetence of the global market for a strongly rooted creative community , artists who shared common heritage & are connected to the growing global challenges.” Marina Pok (former Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for the Royal Government of Cambodia, Curator and founder of the Anicca Foundation)
The event enjoys the personal encouragement of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and receives support from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Henry Luce Foundation, and Institut Francais. Set within the historic School of Fine Arts—established in 1917 by French polymath George Groslier (1887–1945) and seven Cambodian artists—the venue itself reflects the deep relationship between Cambodia’s artistic heritage and its evolving creative future.
Spanning five days from 12 -16 November, 2026, the event unfolds across dedicated spaces showcasing leading contemporary artists, emerging talents, and an Indigenous Sacred Art Space rarely featured in major exhibitions. The first two days remain exclusive to partners, media, collectors, and embassies through curator-led preview tours, while the on the weekend the exhibition is open to the public.
Featured artists include for example Channy Chhoeun with his vibrant acrylic paintings featuring wildlife; Koeurm Kolab whose multidisciplinary practice explores women identity and social experience; former architect Din Borin – see his works above – a self-taught artist who has become one of Cambodia’s most popular painters, known for his “faceless apsara” paintings (apsaras are celestial nymphs depicted in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain mythologies); or Royal University of Fine Arts alumni, Leang Seckon, one of Cambodia’s most internationally recognised contemporary artists. His work draws heavily on his experiences, memories or the different symbols of the tumultuous history of modern Cambodia (see below and on the opening photo above).
I highly recommend to check out the event’s Youtube channel, as they are sharing interviews with the artists.
A silent auction featuring modern artworks from a private collection runs throughout the event (closing on 16 November evening), alongside a vibrant Contemporary Alley offering food, student artist booths, and community activities. The program emphasises developing Cambodia’s creative ecosystem by providing RUFA students with hands-on exhibition management experience and creating opportunities for young artists to present and sell their work.
“Phnom Penh Contemporary launches with the theme of evolution guiding its approach, and what better lens through which to view the growth and elevation of contemporary art practices in Cambodia. From my own involvement with Cambodian artists, I have seen firsthand their emergence as some of the most compelling, thoughtful, and evocative artists on the international stage today,” noted Steven L. Bridges, senior curator and director of curatorial affairs at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University in the US, and Phnom Penh Contemporary Curator.
Source: press release. Photo credits: Courtesy of Phnom Penh Contemporary, by Samnang Chum.
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