Van Chhovorn (b. 1982, Site II Refugee Camp, Thailand)
Van Chhovorn was born in a refugee camp for Khmer Rouge genocide survivors in 1982. He was later enslaved on a Thai fishing vessel with 24 other Cambodian and Burmese men for more than 2 years. He regained his freedom by chance and was able to study at a free non profit art school, Phare Ponleu Selpak, in Battambang, Cambodia where he became a wood sculptor and painter. Important to his career is a recurring dream where an ancient “Dream Teacher” speaks to him and shows him what to do and which pieces of wood to select for his sculptures. He currently resides in Battambang with his family and is pursuing his art career in collaboration with Open Studio Cambodia and Romcheik 5 Artspace.
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"One Day Equals One Year" (2020), Van Chhovorn, acrylic on canvas, 39 x 33.5 inches (100 x 85 cm)
"Hunger of Slaves" (2020), Van Chhovorn, acrylic on canvas, 39 x 42 inches (100 x 106 cm)
"Hunger of Slaves II (Self-Portrait)" (2020) Van Chhovorn, acrylic on canvas, 33.5 x 39 inches (85 x 100 cm)
"Dream Teacher" (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, 38 inches (96 cm)
"Ancient Khmer Girl I" (2020), Van Chhovorn, watercolor, graphite, 11 x 15 inches (28 x 38 cm)
"The Artist and His Mother, Site II Refugee Camp" (2020), Van Chhovorn, acrylic on canvas, 16 x 24 inches (40 x 60 cm)
"The Artist and His Brother, Site II REfugee Camp, 1988" (2020), Van Chhovorn, acrylic on canvas, 16 x 24 inches (40 x 60 cm)
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