Samnang Khvay

Samnang Khvay examines the relationship between humans and nature through the lens of Cambodia’s environmental crisis and the government’s land and natural resources policy, which threatens the life of indigenous communities. Intrinsic to his work is his personal and direct engagement with local communities.

Samnang Khvay (b. 1982) lives and works in Phnom Penh. His works have been exhibited in solo and group shows in Australia and the US, and extensively across Europe and Asia. He is a founding member of Stiev Selapak, an art collective dedicated to reappraising and remembering Cambodian history and exploring continuities in visual practices disrupted by civil war and the Khmer Rouge regime. His multidisciplinary art addresses not only the historical and traditional cultural rituals but also topical events, as well as humanitarian and ecological impacts of colonialism and globalization. Intrinsic to his work is his personal and direct engagement with local communities.

Preah Kunlong (The Way of the Spirit), 2016–2017

Samnang Khvay’s video examines the relationship between humans and nature through the lens of Cambodia’s environmental crisis and the government’s land and natural resources policy, which threatens indigenous communities that traditionally live a life of deep connection with the earth and nature. The artist believes in the power of broaching difficult topics through dreams, premonitions and humour.

The video focuses on the indigenous Chong people, who live in the southwestern province of Koh Kong, primarily in the Areng Valley. Khvay embedded himself in the Chong community for a nonconsecutive period of one year, witnessing first-hand how they live in harmony with the land, water and wildlife.

Photo 1: Prum Bandiddh

khvaysamnang.com

Samnang Khvay

Preah Kunlong (The Way of the Spirit)
2016–2017
2 channel video work

Director: Khvay Samnang

Choreography/performer: Nget Rady

Mask sculptures: Chhoeung Kan, Khvay Samnang, Meas, Vong, Thang Sichoung, Bour

Costume design: Yun Rottanak, Yun Kimlang, Chhun Maleang

Camera: Khvay Samnang, Prum Ero, Chhum Phanith

Editor: Khvay Samnang

Color Editor: Chhum Phanith

Sound Editor: Touch Sopheakdey

Curator: Hendrik Folkerts

Curatorial advisor: Erik Gleeson

Curatorial Assistant: Michelangelo Corsaro

Project Manager: Chum Chanveasna

Special Thanks:

Tep Sokha, Eam Dany, Eng Rithchandaneth, Phan Sok, Phal Chamroeun, Than, Chhang, Chhun, Pov, Roger Nelson, Vuth Lyno, Lim Sokchanlina, Kong Dara, Mok Sombo, Ben Valentine, SA SA BASSAC, Amrita Performing Arts

Commisioned by documenta 14

Co-commisioned by The Mistake Room, Los Angeles

Co-produced by SA SA BASSAC

Courtesy of Khvay Samnang