Khvay Samnang

Svay Rieng, KH, 1982 Works and lives in Phnom Penh

Popil

In recent years, Khvay Samnang’s work has been exhibited at institutions including in The Jewish Museum in New York (2013), the Singapore Biennale (2014), the Asia Pacific Triennial (2015), Documenta 14 in Kassel (2017), Haus der Kunst in Munich (2018), and the Frieze Art Fair in London (2019).

By Imke Ruigrok

Khvay Samnang (born in Cambodia, 1982; lives and works in Phnom Penh), brings local Cambodian context, rituals and history into dialogue with all things current and global. Animal masks are a recurring element in his performances, installations, photography and videos. He activates them; they come to life, as it were, in performances and dance. Performers wear the masks, depicting and almost becoming the animals that in Samnang’s work carry a wide range of meanings.