Do Cambodians value art?

vaprosethnl
Jul 25, 2024
9 min read

Art has always been prominent, not only in Cambodia, but on a global scale.

Throughout history, art has been expressed in countless ways. In sounds it is music, in visuals it is paintings, drawings, sculptures, architecture..etc. Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

With every society, art has been something of great value for both its people and culture. Expressive dances like the Apsara, interesting feats of architecture like Angkor Wat of Cambodia and Sagrada Família in Spain. With each generation becoming more ‘hip’ and modern, do Cambodians still value their arts? Of course, Khmer arts is an essential aspect of Cambodian culture as it embodies a sort of cultural pride, Khmer people have shown their appreciation of their heritage by reviving and celebrating arts; and although modernization of the nation has brought forth some drawbacks such as mockery, Khmer art pushes through the challenges and ultimately keep its peoples hearts.

ARCHITECTURE

Architecture has been such an important part of Khmer culture. With it changed with the times, Khmer architecture has been an extravagant part of the nation’s culture.

The Pearl of Asia: Phnom Penh is known to be a bustling city. During colonial times, it earned the nickname “The Pearl of Asia”. Its stunning mix of French and Khmer architecture is shown in countless buildings, became popular amongst tourists and earned the admiration of many.

“A city filled with a vibrant music-scene mixed with mesmerizing western and local tunes.” (FreeFunGuides)

PALAIS ROYAL | THE ROYAL PALACE

An excellent representation of Khmer architecture. Palais Royal otherwise known as

Preas Ba’rom Reachveang (ព្រះបរមរាជវាំង) to locals is a breathtaking form of Khmer architecture. Beloved by the nation’s people—you can never find this area of Phnom Penh empty. Everyday, the garden in front of the palace buzzes with activity with both locals and foreigners alike who gather for a quick chat and feed the pigeons. The palace was initially established as The Royal Palace in 1866. Bayon Tabi has described the architecture-style “Though some European features/elements remain, the buildings still employ traditional Khmer and Angkorian inspired designs.”

The location of the palace makes it a very ‘touristy’ place to visit, as it sits in front of the river. The national treasure is truly a remarkable place to have a nice walk and catch up. Signs of celebration can be seen hanging from the palace outer walls whenever there is a celebration; usually in The New Years or during Khmer New Year. Cambodia’s Royal Palace continues to be a popular destination to this day and offers a chance for people to take a walk and get some fresh air.

CAMBODIAN MUSIC | SINN SISAMOUTH

Sinn Sisamouth is a Cambodian-Lao singer who lived during Cambodia’s golden age of culture and Arts. Sinn Sisamouth is still known to be the King of Khmer music to this day. His songs can be heard from Wedding Ceremonies, birthday parties, and in Cambodian parents and grandparents’ phones.

The Khmer Golden Age of Culture and Arts: Before the Khmer Rouge occurred, Cambodia was undergoing a revolution of sound. Khmer arts like music, television, and architecture grew rich and lucious. Khmer culture expanded and was at an all-time high. A star of Khmer music was a singer known as Sinn Sisamouth.

“Cambodia’s golden voice.” (Hess)

Incorporating elements from classical rock, popular jazz, blues, and of course, traditional Khmer instruments and sounds, Sinn Sisamouth immediately became popular amongst local Cambodians and quickly rose in popularity.

His music can only be described as nostalgic, just listening to any of his songs, you cannot help yourself but feel elated. The surge of relaxation your body goes through is indescribable.

History: Sinn Sisamouth was born in 1935 in Stung Treng province of Cambodia. After finishing school, he went on to study medicine in the capital city of Phnom Penh, where he would start his music career.

His music typically featured the pains and pleasures of romance. His voice was often praised for its smooth and charming tone; it was clear that he had the skills. Because of his talent, both him and his music quickly rose in popularity amongst Cambodians. Soon he became one of Cambodia’s most treasured icons and artists. His name is known to all; earning the nicknames “The King of Khmer Music'' (IMDB), and “The Elvis of Cambodia” (World Music Network).

Following his success came the Khmer Rouge. Pol Pot sought to eradicate people with ties to the old government, artists, and highly educated people; criteria of which Sin Sisamouth fit in. His death in the killing fields is uncertain, but it was known that he was executed. (Khmerization)

Sinn Sisamouth is one of the many artists that brought forth the prosperity and rich culture that was Cambodian music of the 60s and 70s. Art like his music are truly priceless as it is not only a nice tune to listen to, but tells the story of Khmer culture, and its evolution throughout the ages. Preserving and celebrating the history of artists like him ensures that Khmer culture and music lives on in the world for generations ahead.

RELEVANCE OF ART

In no doubt is art important to Cambodia’s culture, but can we say the same about for its people? Yes, we can. Cambodia is widely known for the tragic incident of the Khmer Rouge. Although it played a significant role in re-shaping the country’s culture and history, it had eliminated parts of the nation’s ‘portfolio’. Artists and educated people were killed, buildings were ravaged and destroyed, art was lost, but the spirits of the Khmer people are determined to revive Khmer arts back, along with preserving remnants of the historical nation’s craftsmanship.

After the Khmer Rouge had come to an end in 1979, people were gathered back into Phnom Penh from the countryside after harsh and intensive labor. Houses were re-claimed, families started businesses, and through this rebirth of the nation came prosperity and the revival of Khmer arts.

RELEVANCE OF ART - MUSIC - “RESURGENCE”

Though low in quality, Sinn Sisamouth’s music had been recorded over time and since became popular once again. A band from Los Angeles called Dengue Fever have revived some of his music, though not all. (iHeartKhmer) You can find recordings on Youtube, Spotify, and of course in physical forms of CD’s, Cassette tapes, and Vinyl records; with some records going for high prices. This of course, shows that music has a deep sentimental value to Cambodians and it is relevant to their lives.

Sampling the old: Furthermore, VannDa, a famous Cambodian musician has shown the

value he holds for Khmer music by sampling old Cambodian pop from the 1960-70s, said Sean D from LIFTED. The song, titled ‘Solo Again’ features an old Khmer aesthetic, along

with a direct sample from an unknown song popular during the Golden Age. This comes to show that current generations of Khmer artists do place their values highly on their ancestors’ and peoples’ work that came before them.

Honoring the past, while at the same time embracing the present; artists like VannDa continue to breathe new life into the rich musical heritage that Cambodia embodies.

RELEVANCE OF ART - ARCHITECTURE - “RENAISSANCE”

Architecture of Cambodia after the Khmer Rouge can be described as a blend of traditional Khmer influences along with contemporary design elements inspired by foreign architecture as well. Young, aspiring Khmer architects rose after the Khmer rouge. Rebuilding the nation has become one of the utmost important priorities that citizens tend to focus on; after all, who wouldn’t want to see their nation rise above and flourish like it once did? Antithetically, even though Cambodians laced their eyes and aspirations on rebuilding, they also kept in mind preserving the vestiges of the nation’s history; showing their respect for the arts.

Cambodia's post-Khmer Rouge architecture combines traditional Khmer influences with modern, foreign designs, reflecting the nation's aspirations for rebuilding and preserving the nation’s rich and vibrant history. There is deliberately a mix of traditional and modern characteristics, creating a distinct and unique architectural landscape that symbolizes Cambodia's past as well as future aspirations.

“The approach to architecture at the time was very creative and bold” said Pyle (qtd.in Lo).

Rebuilding: Ever since the Khmer Rouge, Cambodian architects have gotten to work in rebuilding the country; especially the capital city, Phnom Penh. Wherever you go in the Pearl of Asia, you can always find areas under construction. According to Construction Property, Phnom Penh received a total of 1050 construction projects despite the COVID-19 crisis back in 2021. Ever since the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia has undergone a massive change and new buildings have sprouted to be the most iconic structures in Cambodia. One example is the Vattanac Capital Tower which was built in 2014.

The building has been highly appraised with one review from Jedai79 on Tripadvisor saying

“If you like modern architecture & breathtaking view from high floor, take a look at Vattanac.”

This of course, showcases the willingness and exemplifies the Cambodian people’s desire to build a brighter future for themselves.

Preservation: Cambodia is known for its stunning temples deep-rooted in its timeless culture and rich history. These temples such as the iconic Angkor Wat and Prasat Bayon, have stood the test of time and continue to be a testament to the nation’s ancient heritage. These temples truly are symbols of Cambodia’s legacy that will stand forevermore.

VANN MOLYVANN - HIS TIMELESS WORKS

Vann Molyvann was an architect who developed and created countless buildings for Cambodia. He lived during the “post-colonial, pre-war period in the country.” (Lo)Some of his work included The Independence Monument, Chaktomuk Conference Hall, Olympic Stadium..and many more.

How have his projects been preserved and protected?

With him being such a famous architect and having worked on and created on such influential projects, Vann Molyvann was revered and was often referred to as the man who “Shaped Cambodia’s Capital” (Wallace).

Works of Vann Molyvann are now being protected and preserved by the Cambodian government. And those which aren’t, are argued to be.

“Preserving buildings so unique in design and rich in history should have been a no-brainer.”(Lo)

Architecture to Cambodians holds great value as it not only serves as a reminder of their nation’s progress and the reconstruction of the nation, but it is also a source of inspiration, pride, cultural identity, and the nation’s perseverance toward a better and brighter future. From iconic structures like the Vattanac Capital Tower to the timeless temples of Angkor, Cambodia’s architecture embodies a blend and balance between its progress and cultural heritage.

Just the fact that structures built by architects like Vann Molyvann who left a lasting legacy over the country’s capital tells the story of resilience and cultural pride that Cambodians feel toward their architecture; therefore, the relevance of art in their lives.

RELEVANCE OF ART - “MODERNIZATION”

With the rapid modernization of Cambodian society, trends have passed through the ages. Though modernization has brought countless positive changes to Khmer culture, as we approach a new age of technology, we must keep in mind our values and heritage.

Cultural Appropriation: The concept of Cultural Appropriation refers to the adaptation, adoption, borrowing, or imitation of cultural aspects of other cultures; usually doing this without any respect to the said culture. This has become a common occurance and some aspects of cultural appropriation can be linked to racial injustice or racism. Mimicking other cultures is seen as racist. For example, if someone were to dance a traditional Apsara dance without proper technique, without proper understanding, or knowledge of the dance, this can deteriorate the value or significance of the dance. This of course, opens Khmer culture to people who do not understand, who will make fun, criticize, or even stereotype Khmer culture to be one of silly dances and traditions. For example, Em Srey Pov shot a photoshoot depicting herself in a ‘sexy’ Apsara costume. The sexualization of Apsara can cause people to sexualize Khmer culture as a whole.

TO CONCLUDE, art holds a timeless significance to Cambodian culture and its people. It serves as a powerful and uplifting means of expression, preserving the nation’s heritage, as well as connecting people across many generations.

Despite evolving and adapting to trends of modernity over time, the value, celebration, and appreciation of Cambodian art still thrive in the bustling country today.

From historic temples that tell the nation’s true, rich history, to the innovative modern architectural designs of the present, art remains a fundamental part of Cambodia’s national and cultural identity, reflecting the persevering spirits and creativity of the Khmer people.

The ongoing deep-rooted traditions of Khmer music, with captivating, mesmerizing melodies and lyrical storytelling, further illustrates the unyielding spirit of arts and music amongst Cambodians.

Therefore, yes, Cambodians do value their art. Architecture is protected and ever-evolving, Music is constantly ascending in new heights of their culture. Keeping a balance between heritage and progression is something that Cambodia will never fail to do. Although the modernization of Cambodian culture continues to allow and opens Khmer culture to mockery by others, praising tradition and valuing arts is amongst the best things Khmer culture has to offer today.

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