AsiaLIFE

The fourth PhotoPhnomPenh festival kicks off at the end of the month. Amongst the many international photographers featured, one young Cambodian looks set to stand out. Khvay Samnang talks with AsiaLIFE.

A graduate of the National University of Fine Arts, Khvay Samnang turned his eye to photography five years ago. Exhibitions earlier this year such as Wedding and Hair, featured at Java Café, Sa Sa Bassac and Hotel de la Paix, indicate that the 29-year-old photographer has a bright future ahead. His series of portraits Human Nature, to be shown at PhotoPhnomPenh, features residents of the capital’s infamous The Building wearing masks.

What was your major inspiration for becoming a photographer?
I am a painter so I need to take photos to create new ideas for my paintings. That's why I started to take photography classes to learn more about it. I realised that photographs have their own way of [delivering] a message to other people, as do paintings. I intend to continue as a photographer and I would be happy to learn more about other skills because all kinds of art connect to each other.

Did you face any resistance from your parents when you decided to become an artist?
Sometimes, I make strange works of art and they don't understand how I will be successful with this art. But after it's done well they have no more objections. They start to support all my artworks more and more.

What are the major obstacles facing young photographers in Cambodia?
I think young photographers in Cambodia don’t have enough photography classes. They learn how to take the photos from workshops or short training courses supported by the French Institute. They need to study more and more to improve their work. They need people to support them through coming to see their photography works and also for networking.

What do you believe is the future of contemporary photography in Cambodia?
I believe it may not develop quickly as in other countries so long as Cambodia lacks a photography school or more training classes or workshops. Also, we don't have any classical arts or contemporary arts classes in elementary school and high school.

Your current work involves people wearing masks. Can you explain the significance of these masks?
For Human Nature, I introduce you to the intimate spaces and conditions that people are living in at The Building. The Bassac Riverfront Municipal Apartments, or "The Building" as it is now commonly called, was the first multi-level housing in the capital city, and the first government-supported scheme to create affordable housing. Now there are trees growing from the dirtied concrete walls, and water pipes and wires overlap everywhere. The hallways are very dark. Naturally, there is discrimination from the outside—people do not dare come near the apartments because they are scared for their security or judgment about the sex workers or drugs being sold there. But still, there are people inside, average people. And there are many national performing artists who live there too. The portraits are taken in different rooms of their apartments and show many details that make it their home. I made many masks for them to wear, and they chose one they identified with before having their portrait taken. Even though we are innocent, we may also need a mask.

This year you are exhibiting at PhotoPhnomPenh. How important do you think this festival is for promoting photography in Cambodia?
I am excited to exhibit my contemporary photography at PhotoPhnomPenh. It is not my first time at this exhibition. I have exhibited here since 2008. So I can express my feelings and my photographic ideas to audiences and it gives a chance for me and other photographers to meet new networks. Especially, this event supports photographers to develop more, and helps create more contemporary photography in the future.