Cambodianess: "Artist with Physical Disability Struggling through Pandemic, Remains Optimistic"

• BY: Hong Sreyna​ and Phoung Vantha
• December 29, 2021 10:42 AM

Having lost of both his hands, Morn Chear quickly made a name for himself as a successful artist, despite his physical handicap, but the COVID-19 pandemic has proved a challenging time
SIEM REAP--In 2010, Morn Chear was electrocuted while working. He had dropped out of school in the third grade to earn an income and support his family, but the accident saw both of his arms amputated at the elbow.
Born in Kampot Province, Chear’s newfound disability led him to take jobs that were accessible to him—for a while he worked on a duck farm in Takeo Province and slept in the rice paddy—but eventually, his impairment led him to art, which he found through Epic Arts in Siem Reap Province.
“Arms are the most important thing for every artist, but that does not mean that a person who has no arms cannot be a painter,” he said.
Now 31-years-old, Chear won the gold prize at the White Canvas Cambodia 2021 competition after having established his own style as a black and white block print artist.
“When I became disabled, I looked for skills that I could develop,” he said. “Before, I could work as a construction worker, so I took up drawing, which I love.”

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