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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"Ratanakiri Tribe Girl" (Front) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, 24 x 9 inches (62 x 23 cm)

"Ratanakiri Tribe Girl" (Back) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, 24 x 9 inches (62 x 23 cm)

"Pray for Food" (Profile) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 28.5 inches (72 cm)

"Evil Mind" (Front) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 25 inches (63 cm)

"Spirit of Mercy" (Front) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving L: 25 x 8 inches (64 x 20 cm)

"Patience" (Front) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 11.5 inches (29 cm)

"Giving Birth" (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 15 x 8 inches (38 x 20 cm)

"Pray for Food" (Front) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 28.5 inches (72 cm)

"Evil Mind" (Back) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 25 inches (63 cm)

"Spirit of Mercy" (Back) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving L: 25 x 8 inches (64 x 20 cm)

"Patience" (Back) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 11.5 inches (29 cm)

"Devadatta" (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 23.5 inches (60 cm)

"Primitive Mother" (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 45 x 17 inches (115 x 43 cm)

"Hybrid" (2019), Van Chhovorn, acrylic on canvas, 12 x 27.5 inches (30 x 70 cm)

"Hybrid" (detail) (2019), Van Chhovorn, acrylic on canvas, 12 x 27.5 inches (30 x 70 cm) - SOLD

"Virtuous Elephant" (2020), Van Chhovorn, watercolor, 38 x 28 cm (15 x 11 inches)

"Wounds of the Motherhood" (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 20 inches (50 cm)

"Good Luck Fish" (2019), Van Chhovorn, acrylic on canvas, 12 x 27.5 inches (30 x 70 cm ) - SOLD

"Good Luck Fish" (detail) (2019), Van Chhovorn, acrylic on canvas, 12 x 27.5 inches (30 x 70 cm ) - SOLD

"New Life" (2020) Van Chhovorn, acrylic on canvas, 70 x 70 cm (27.5 x 27.5 inches)

"Dream Teacher" (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, 38 inches (96 cm)

"Feminine" (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, 19 inches (48 cm) (Front) SOLD

"Feminine" (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, 19 inches (48 cm) (Back) SOLD

"The Emperor" (Front) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 22 inches (56 cm)

"The Emperor" (Back) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 22 inches (56 cm)

"Mother Owl" (Front) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 33 x 19 inches (84 x 48 cm )

"Compassion Hand" (Front) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 27 inches (69 cm)

"Hope" (Front) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 18.5 x 8 inches (47 x 20 cm)

"Mother Owl" (Back) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 33 x 19 inches (84 x 48 cm )

"Compassion Hand" (Back) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 27 inches (69 cm)

"Hope" (Back) (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 18.5 x 8 inches (47 x 20 cm)

"Pregnancy Process" (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 54 inches (136 cm)

"Fight for Life" (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 27.5 inches (70 cm)

"Khmer Girl" (2019), Van Chhovorn, Wood carving, L: 47 x 14.5 inches (120 x 37 cm)