“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Doesn’t this quote perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the Chhan Dina Gallery? Right here in Phnom Penh, the Chhan Dina Gallery stands as a vibrant testament to Cambodia’s burgeoning contemporary art scene.
Chhan Dina Gallery was founded by Cambodian artist Chhan Dina in early 2022. After two decades of exhibiting in other galleries, she desired a space to showcase her art and that of fellow Phnom Penh artists. Since its opening on January 21, the gallery has become a popular hub for artists both established and emerging.
Dina’s inaugural exhibition featured 15 of her oil paintings. The paintings portrayed wildlife and people. They ranged in price from 900 to 2000 US dollars.
Chhan Dina recognized the gallery’s prime location. It is near the National Museum and Friends Futures Factory. This makes it very accessible for art enthusiasts.
Since its inception, the Chhan Dina Gallery has hosted monthly exhibitions. These exhibitions showcase solo artists or groups. January started with Dina’s solo exhibition. February highlighted Chhim Sothy’s work. March featured Suos Sodavy. These three artists have won awards at the CMLTV Contemporary Art Awards in Thailand. Dina won the youth award in 2016.
Chhan Dina’s journey is inspiring. Born in Phnom Penh in 1984, she spent her early years in a refugee camp near Poipet. Today, she is a prominent female artist in Cambodia. She also participated in the Cambodian Living Arts Fellows Programme.
Her art often explores themes of women’s roles and experiences in society. She also depicts nature and wildlife. Her “On the Verge of Extinction” exhibition focused on endangered bird species in Cambodia. Another exhibition, “Drawing the Golden Thread,” was nature-themed.
Dina’s artistic style evolved over the years. She uses various mediums. Recurring motifs like birds and silhouettes explore themes of loss, family, and love. Her later works are often more abstract.
Beyond her art, Chhan Dina is an art teacher. She volunteers with NGOs and orphanages. She also teaches at international schools. The UN and the ASEAN Women of the Future Awards recognized her work.
Her goal is to show art to the public. She especially wants to inspire younger generations. She wants her gallery to display Cambodian artists’ strengths to foreigners. This will help them understand Cambodian creative ideas.
Chhan Dina Gallery aims to promote and support the Cambodian visual arts community. It showcases Dina’s work and other contemporary masters. These include Chhim Sothy, Leang Seckon, and Suos Sodavy.
The gallery is near Streets 178 and 13. It is a hub for contemporary arts in Cambodia. It provides a public space for established and emerging artists. It serves as a gathering place for the exchange of ideas.
Dina’s paintings are on permanent display in Da Nang Fine Art Gallery in Vietnam. Her sculptures are at the UN headquarters in New York City. She was nominated for the ASEAN Women of the Future Awards in 2018.
Chhan Dina captures her imagination in her art. Her rich themes of life, music, and nature delight dedicated observers. So, come a little closer. Take your time. What gifts for the dedicated observer do you see?