Chhim Sothy

Chhim Sothy was born in Kandal Province in 1969. He graduated from the Royal University of Fine Arts in 1996, and the Chantiers Ecoles de Formation Professionelle in Siem Reap in 1997. He works for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in Phnom Penh.

His art embodies traditionalism with modern European painterliness. Chhim wanted to express his emotions to the change in Phnom Penh as seen in his lifetime: from 'Year zero' of the Khmer Rouge till now. On one hand, there is construction, development and growth. On the other hand, there is hardship where people have no homes to sleep in, and nowhere to go. This inequality is present in his works, and the reality as seen on the streets of Phnom Penh.

 

Chhim Sothy's unique fluency of style resonates strongly with the complex cultural tensions of Phnom Penh in recent times .He has exhibited widely in Cambodia and has been represented at the 2008 Chinese International Art Biennale, and at exhibitions in Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, Paris, Manila, Vietnam, Thailand and the United States.