The Dreamers by Chov Theanly Step into the artistic universe of Chov Theanly

April 2025- The Gallerist - Phnom Penh - Cambodia

     The dreamers' artwork showcases at the Gallerist . Created by Chov theanly  

Created by talented artist Chov Theanly, this art piece invites you to explore the challenges  Cambodian society is facing. 

At first glance, Theanly's work invites the viewer into a tranquil scene depicting 2 schoolchildren on the side of a road. The realistic precision of the artist's strokes is evident in every fold of the uniforms. The children's features, in a play of light and shadow, are matched by a naturalistic, quasi-photographic approach. From a distance, it almost looks like a collage. Above all, Theanly is a meticulous witness to his times. Cambodian youth stands before us in the form of this young girl and her brother in school uniforms, a touch of tradition with a red braided bracelet, one foot in modernity with their backpack slung over their shoulder. The first disruption comes with the choice of a two-tone background, dotted with clouds. The choice of transposing an innocuous scene into a timeless setting, far removed from any realistic reference point, naturally invites us to ask questions. A solitary paper airplane floats gracefully above them, evoking a sense of time suspended. The schoolchildren's eyes seem to follow the trajectory of this paper plane. And the spectator wonders what this object represents: a game, the passage of time, a chance to seize, the knowledge that allows you to grow... so many possible interpretations. Theanly suggests leads without ever stating the obvious, as if he were painting on tiptoe. He captures the magic of an instant, reminding us of the ephemeral nature of our condition, like the flight of a paper airplane.  While our gaze is caught by this simple object, on closer inspection we realize that the 2 characters are looking far beyond the field of vision. We're suddenly reminded of the series' title : Looking Forward. In this work, Theanly captures the expectations of Cambodian youth at a crossroads. With tact, the artist suggests the challenges and obstacles ahead, without altering the hope, symbol of the younger generation.

Chov Theanly’s artwork whispers profound meanings, inviting everyone, from art lovers to storytellers, to reflect on their dreams and aspirations. As you engage with The Dreamers, let, it take you back to moments of longing and imagination, reminding us that every great journey begins with a childhood dream.

The series “Looking Forward”  is following one of his earlier projects, “Surviving - The Rise”, which he began in 2012 and showcased at The Gallerist in Oct 2023. Both series focused on the Cambodian people he met on the streets and in the villages, individuals who have lived through and survived various challenges in their lives. As he continued to visit their villages and got to know some of them more personally, he gained a deeper understanding of their thoughts and life journeys. 

“Looking Forward” explores the power of dreams — how having our own dreams gives us the strength to move forward in life. Chov Theanly is deeply motivated by people who, despite facing obstacles like war and economic hardship, remain determined to pursue and realize their dreams.

He was drawn to Realism and Minimalism because these styles vividly capture stories and emotions without unnecessary distractions. 

For this series, he uses colorful, simplified landscapes that reflect everyday life, by selecting colors such as yellow, green, and pink to reflect the mood of each story.

For the depiction of people, Theanly uses traditional Cambodian oil painting techniques, which he learned from Cambodian masters, while also incorporating contemporary colors inspired by foreign artists. Beyond their apparent simplicity, his paintings reveal a thought-provoking depth which, we believe, is one of the secrets behind the appeal of his work. He draws on personal stories to tell of a changing country. He manages to communicate a deeply pictorial vision - sensitive and palpable - of the theme of individual fulfillment. His talent, accessible to viewers from different backgrounds, allows everyone to recognise their own failures and successes.

Chov Theanly's paintings are characterized by their meticulous attention to detail, use of vivid colors and composition which create a visually stunning experience.

Theanly says: “I painted from photos I took of villagers, then while painting I adjust light, shadow and add the color based on the story I want to tell. 

I paint figures in various gestures, such as walking through a flood or a man holding a fishing net, based on elements of their personal stories”.

The technique of Chov reminds us of the hand-painted advertisements, a tradition well established in the region, which have indeed inspired many contemporary artists. These works, often colorful and expressive, reflect a unique aesthetic and an artisanal approach that contrasts with modern production methods.

These painted billboard advertisements also capture the collective imagination and evoke emotions in the viewer, which makes them particularly relevant in the context of contemporary art. 

Indeed, Chov Theanly’s pictorial style strongly evokes hand painted shop signs of yesteryear, commonly used in Cambodia. His artworks are characterized by bright colors, dynamic compositions, and a sense of detail that recall the artisanal aesthetic of these advertisements.

Chov Theanly often integrates elements of popular culture, traditional motifs, and social references into his work, creating a dialogue between the past and the present. This approach allows him to celebrate the visual heritage of painted advertisements while addressing contemporary themes. His art thus becomes a means of exploring collective memory and challenging the standards of modernity.

One important element in this series is the symbolism within the paintings. Chov has included various objects like spirit houses, footprints, paper planes, paper boats, or candles. “They are my interpretation of hope within each story”.

These simple items carry messages of hope, representing the potential for change. Behind an apparent simplicity lies a complex reflection on the tug-of-war between the human condition and the aspiration to rise, a struggle to survive and surpass oneself.

Art Exhibition “Looking Forward” by Chov Theanly from November 21st, 2024, At The Gallerist Phnom Penh, Cambodia