Opening 6-9pm Wednesday, May 16
Java Café & Gallery (upstairs)
56 Sihanouk Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Ping Vey is a coming of age story, told by Cambodia’s surrealist painter, Oeur Sokuntevy.  It moves not in a linear direction but through the fluctuating emotional landscape of a young man.  The scenes, thick with symbolism and references, reveal the dreams, fears and longing of the main character, represented as a pig-figure (a reference to the Cambodian zodiac).  Through her intuitive style, the artist explores this psychological terrain—a shift that she says is not restricted by gender and can resonate with many stages in one’s life.

With this series Sokuntevy explores a new scale with large canvases, previously working on small intimate and highly-textured works on handmade paper. The flattened surface of the canvas emphasizes details of the elaborate scenes and the size draws the viewer into the surreal compositions.

In one painting the Pig is lying in an open field, dreaming.  The pillow that he clings to transforms into a cobra which displays it’s venomous fangs and a human hand with sharp red-painted nails.  In the Pig’s dream red and green footsteps lead in different directions illustrating the Pig’s uncertainty.

In another painting there are three figures around a table in a typical domestic setting.  A woman drinks from a cup on a tree branch that grows from the grandmother’s head on the right side—implying that one generation ingests the history, the emotions and experiences of the previous generation.  The Pig watches quietly in the background with a sense of hesitancy.

In each composition, like the entire series, we stumble upon the characters in a moment of tension.  As viewers we are unsure of the dynamics and relationships between them and the situation we have found them in. This tension is further exaggerated by the grotesqueness of the figures depicted as part animal and part human a direct reference to the local zodiac and superstitious beliefs.  It is typical for individuals to be assigned the characters of the animal associated with the year of their birth.

There is also a more subtle suggestion that we are more closely linked to our animal natures than perhaps we would like to admit.  We can find throughout the centuries and in many civilizations connections between animals and humankind (the animal spirits of the Native Americans, mythical creatures in Greek mythology, and urban legends to mention a few). The animal character is often symbolic of aggression, sexuality and power—not so different from human adolescence.  The artist would take that notion one step further though to say that this is an on-going struggle in one’s life, navigating between base desires and reactions and the social norm.

http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article/83698/hotel-de-la-paix-in-siem-reap-cambodia-unveils-seven-an-exhibition-curated-by-resident-artist-and-curator-sasha-constable

When: 4 – 6pm Saturday, April 28
Where: Romeet Gallery
34 Street 178, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Who: Anyone interested in being involved as a participant, supporter, or simply curious!

During the meeting we will share past experiences of the Our City Festival, this year’s theme and plans, discuss the Open Call for participation and hopefully answer all the questions you may have!  Below you will find the details for the Open Call and we would like to encourage you to share your ideas in the meeting if you feel inspired!

The meeting will be in Khmer and English and all are encouraged to attend, space allowing!  RSVP appreciated!
OCF12 OPEN CALL

OCF12 Theme: ‘Urban Currents’,
Our City Festival 2012 takes as its point of departure the movements within the urban environment: the flows between the people, resources, environment, and landscape of Phnom Penh within the context of its urbanization and its impact on greater Cambodia.

We welcome proposals from artists, architects and other sectors that explore examples of ‘urban currents’ and open up discussions about the multiple shifting forces which form our present. To make the program as exciting and challenging as possible, we will be considering proposals across disciplines and formats: exhibitions, interventions, talks, films, workshops, tours, walks, classes amongst others.

To submit a proposal please provide a one-page document including the following details and anything else that you consider relevant:

• Event type (ex: exhibition, performance, film, etc.)
• Description (and title if possible), at least 500 words
• Possible venue/location
• Organizers/creators
• What kind of support would be required?
If your project is considered you may be asked to provide images or links to previous projects.

Deadline for submissions: Friday 25th May, 2012
Selected proposals will be notified: Friday 15th June, 2012

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact bepartof@ourcityfestival.org

 ocf12 community meeting invite khmer