We love Battambang for its appeal as a classic Cambodian city, rich in history and natural beauty, but it is the up-and-coming arts scene that has international visitors finally taking note…
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Lotus Gallery and Bar is exactly the kind of place I pictured in my mind when I went to Battambang in search of the local arts scene. Located on street 2.5, this stylishly refurbished Chinese shop house is an eclectic space for art to be hung and people to congregate. Battambang’s Street 2.5 is also home to Sammaki gallery and Make Maek gallery, making it a hub for art activity and the perfect location to meet Theanly Chov — a young artist generous enough to walk me through the city’s art progression.
Slight and charming Theanly hails from Battambang and has loved watching the city develop. While he wants to see historical sites preserved – Battambang hosts an impressive collection of architectural buildings and bridges – Theanly welcomes the artsy reputation the city is earning itself.
A Western Cambodian town about 3 hours from Siem Reap, Battambang is host to the visual arts centre Phare Ponleu Selpak, a school dedicated to teaching visual and performing arts in addition to the country’s formal curriculum. Teaching about 1,000 students, Phare’s graduates are a large part of the driving force behind the city’s developing arts status.
A self-trained painter, Theanly is an exception to this, though he is happy to talk about how cooperative the community is. In growing numbers, eager and very talented, young artists are creating and filling spaces with their varied works.
Despite its modern-day resurrection art is nothing new in the city. On our way to see pagoda murals — Cambodia’s version of religious paintings — he stopped periodically to admire painted signs, a way for contemporary artists in the 50s and 60s to make money before the printing press was big. After the printing press, hand painted signs became a thing of the past, putting many artists out of work, explained Theanly, leading to a dramatic decline in arts as a profession.
In its most recent art revival, Battambang’s artists schedule live art performances and fill galleries at an inspiring rate. While darker works that delve into Cambodia’s damaged past are common, there are artists like Khchao Touch that bring a lighter point of view.
Theanly hopes that the variety of artist will attract lovers of all sorts and help craft Battambang as the country’s growing tourist centre. The city has long been a sleepy town to visit for a laid back authentic Cambodian experience, but now, with this emergence of young creativity Battambang goes further – it offers visitors a taste of the country’s potential and bright future.
Galleries
Lotus Gallery and Bar –Set in a beautifully restored colonial shophouse on Street 2.5 in the centre of Battambang’s art district.
Make Maek — Right across the street from Lotus, Make Maek was established in 2011 by Khmer-American artist Kat Eng and local artists Mao Soviet and Phin Sophorn.
Make Maek has a particular focus on showing collaboration between local and international artists.
Sammaki — Sammaki (meaning “solidarity” in Khmer) was established in 2011 by Mao Soviet and a group of expats living in Battambang. It is now supported by local NGO Cambodian Children’s Trust. Sammaki shows work from young and emerging artists, many of whom have graduated from Phare Ponleu Selpak, the same school known for its circus grads.
In addition to operating a contemporary art gallery, Sammaki provides a resource library and runs workshops for local artists.
Studio Art– Studio Art Battambang was established last year by local artist Roeun Sokhom. It is not only an art gallery, but also serves as a studio where artists can come together to create their work, as well as to exchange ideas.
Interested in a tour of this fascinating city? We can help!