About Java

Java Café & Gallery was established by Dana Langlois in 2000 as a combination of a café and gallery to support the growth of a dynamic art scene in Cambodia. At the time there was very little happening in contemporary visual arts and Java offered an opportunity to both local and international artists to exhibit and sell their work to the number of people that frequented the café. Since then, Java Café & Gallery has hosted over 90 exhibitions as well as artist presentations, international exchange projects and forums.The gallery has brought international attention to the work of Cambodian artists, helping renowned creators such as Leang Seckon, Pich Sopheap, Oeur Sokuntevy, Chath Piersath and Meas Sokhorn become known to the public at large.

Up until 2008, the gallery was non-profit and supported exhibitions and projects entirely by its own funds. As the art scene has developed significantly over the years, JavaArts aims to promote sustainability through the development of a viable commercial sector, generating funds from sales which in part are then channeled into community projects or sponsorship of artist initiatives.

Background on Contemporary Cambodian Art

Cambodia has a long history of art dating back to the rich Angkorian period. While renowned for its monumental history, there is tremendous creativity in contemporary Cambodia.

In the 1960’s, Cambodian art went through a revival and had a thriving arts environment. HRH King Sihanouk was a leading force for the country through his love for cinema and music.

The Khmer Rouge regime put an end to any creative freedom when an estimated 90% of the artists were killed or forced into exile.

Since the 1980’s the Cambodian art scene has slowly revived. Initially the focus was on rebuilding the traditional arts (particularly dance, music and sculpture) and most efforts and funding were put in to supporting this quest for identity.

Some individual artists, usually self-taught, soon broke from traditional forms of expression and gave a more contemporary dynamic to arts (Svay Ken, Vann Nath). A younger generation inspired by these masters slowly emerged (Sophannarith, Chhim Sothy, Hen Sophal).

Presently, the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) features more contemporary elements in their programs including photography, interior design and modern architecture but they are limited by poor resources and infrastructure. (Currently both campuses of the University have been sold while a new location is being built outside of town, causing numerous crises for teachers and students.) Other alternatives include the French Cultural Center (CCF), which supports French and Khmer artists and Reyum Gallery and Art School, whose main focus has been on research and preservation of Cambodian arts and teaching arts to young school children.

Recently, young artists of Cambodian origin have returned (to the country) from abroad (Pich Sopheap, Chath Piersath) and have provided examples of a more expressive approach to contemporary art. Other local artists like Leang Seckon and Mak Remissa have also opened the way to new concepts of art. This new generation, with diverse educations and influences are finding their voices and sparking new interests in contemporary art in Cambodia.