AsiaLIFE

Rarely does one meet a man with a more fitting last name than artist Bob Passion. Lou Hayward sits down with the enigmatic artist, sailor and social activist.

Since his characteristically unconventional arrival in Cambodia on the back of a motorbike in 2004, Bob has used his unique blend of skills to both address a number of pressing social issues and “wake people’s minds” to the importance of art for art’s sake. “I don’t have any diplomas,” Bob asserts, “And I’ve never had to send out a CV in my life”. If, however, the charismatic Frenchman could be persuaded to sit down and catalogue his exceptional career, it would read like an adventure novel.

Bob’s particular brand of artistic wanderlust emerged at an early age and at 18 he left his native Marseille for England. Returning to France four years later, whilst working as a photographer in Paris, Bob fell in with a group of like-minded people who shared his enthusiasm for creativity. Together, they established the groundbreaking Generik Vapeur street theatre group, with whom Bob travelled the world. Testament to its appeal, 25 years later, this pioneering outfit is still taking art to the streets. Later, Bob’s exploratory nature saw him spend six years sailing a boat around the Caribbean and South America, docking occasionally to organise a number of large-scale special events. In 2004 he utilised such experiences working as part of Lille’s Capital of Culture tenure.

It was at the suggestion of a friend that Bob came to Cambodia, having been put in touch with the Phare Ponleu Selpak multi-arts centre, home of the Battambang Circus. Here, he spent a year helping vulnerable Cambodian children to develop their artistic skills through shows which toured across Cambodia. Bob then relocated to Sihanoukville where he set up his own art centre, BHOR. Working in close partnership with several NGOs, Bob focused his attention on HIV/AIDS awareness projects, and especially removing the taboo associated with the use of condoms.

An especially strong link was forged with NGO M’Lop Tapang, with which Bob’s BHOR centre merged in 2008. “We were very close even before we joined,” Bob says “but we realised we could achieve much more if our organisations married”. M’Lop operates nine different centres in Sihanoukville, which provide education and vocational training, medical services and shelter to some of Cambodia’s most vulnerable children. Bob played a large part in the recent renovation of M’Lop’s community arts centre, where a wide range of creative arts activities are offered including circus and theatre skills, music, hip-hop and traditional Apsara dance classes, video production and editing.

“I see such a change in the kids who come to the art playground,” Bob reports “these activities have really boosted their confidence”. A different performance is put on every month and costumes and props are produced on site. Instructors from around the world come to share their knowledge and experience with not only the children but also the centre’s staff, something Bob sees as key to the future development of art in Cambodia. All are encouraged to take advantage of the M’Lop opportunities. “I’ll open the door”, Bob says, “but it’s up to them to walk through it”.

One event in particular draws participation on a mass scale- the annual Kompong Som Khmarnaval. Now in its fifth year, with Bob’s help and the advent of corporate sponsorship, this three-day celebration of music, dance and theatre has grown exponentially. The February 2010 edition featured music and dance performances and three separate parades which saw cars, motorbikes and 25 trucks decorated by local children weave a vibrant procession through the streets of Sihanoukville. This year again featured weird and wonderful Papier-mâché floats, including a huge blue spider and a planet – complete with satellites, in addition to a large smiling condom, again helping to spread Bob’s safe sex message. Hundreds of kids participated, adorned with colourful masks and props constructed on a shoestring budget using easily attainable materials. “Khmarnaval reminds us that HIV and AIDS concerns us all, but it’s also a celebration of being together,” Bob explains.

Never one to shy from a challenge, despite having only just pulled off a large-scale event like Khmarnaval, Bob is already looking for partners to help him implement a safe driving campaign. Of course, he remains committed to the development of Cambodia’s art scene. “I know I’m crazy, but in a good way. I want to inspire people- Ultimately, it’s all about finding your own passion in life”.

For more about Khmarnaval and Bob’s other projects, visit: www.bobpassion.net

For more about M’Lop Tapang, visit: www.mloptapang.org