Khmer creativity knows no limits when it comes to painting, sculpture and crafts. Here are a few of the fine galleries in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
FT Gallery | Phnom Penh
An integral part of the Factory’s ArtSpace, Cambodia’s largest creative centre, the ever-evolving FT Gallery features a fusion of original Cambodian and international talents. These are headed by co-owners FonKi Yav, a Canadian-Cambodian muralist whose art is pictured at left, and Théo Vallier, a French painter whose work is inspired by Khmer mythology. ArtSpace is also home to AiR Gallery, Sculpt Gallery, Artisan Studio, Art Market and the Arts Café.
Institut Français | Phnom Penh
Originally known as the Centre Culturel Français, the French Institute opened in 1992 as Cambodia’s first art centre after decades of cultural stagnancy. Within the spacious grounds are gardens and a sprawling minimalist-style building. The institute holds regular exhibitions, workshops and classes, along with live entertainment, film screenings and mini festivals. A dedicated gallery can be configured to display installation art.
TRIBE Cambodia | Siem Reap
A passion for urban and contemporary art drives Tribe, which relocated back to Siem Reap in early 2024 after three years in Phnom Penh. Combining a coffee shop and cocktail bar, Tribe supports and nurtures local Khmer talent and the Cambodian art scene, both emerging and established, through fundraising, skill development and free advice. Art scholarships, promoted nationwide, are an important part of its legacy.
Theam’s Gallery | Siem Reap
Theam’s Gallery is the home and studio of master artist Lim Muy Theam, who exhibits his own captivating paintings — meshing past and present — beside other high-quality arts and crafts. Pottery and historical artefacts are displayed in a cool, shady garden setting, along with a selection of traditional musical instruments. An admission charge for foreign visitors supports the training of young artists who learn to replicate Khmer arts.
Meta House | Phnom Penh
This European cultural centre is one of Cambodia’s oldest independent art hubs, a creative space opened in 2007 by German filmmaker Nico Mesterharm. Showcasing visual and performing arts and education, the two-storey building includes a small but exquisite gallery curated by Dr Carlo Santoro. Meta House also has a restaurant; an outdoor stage that hosts workshops, talks and film screenings; a multimedia library, and a German language school. Community-based projects and artist exchange programmes promote Cambodian contemporary art.
Dinart Gallery | Phnom Penh
Before he turned his attention to canvases, Teang Borin was an architect. But for over a decade, the self-taught Kampot artist known as Din has acquired an international reputation as an abstract painter. His main subjects are Apsara, the celestial maidens of traditional Khmer mythology. Using vibrant colours and bold brush strokes, Din has a signature style that conveys a depth of movement and emotion.
On art and aesthetics
Dr Carlo Santoro, who guided Focus Cambodia in its choice of galleries, is a professor of art, architecture and urban design at the American University in Phnom Penh. He researches participatory and collaborative aesthetics in his tiny “MiMu by Metas” gallery at the Meta House, a first step in creating a Museum of Contemporary Art. Santoro asks visitors to engage in conversation on the meaning and significance of art and culture in society.
