Phnom Penh art scene

"The Space Between Inside/Outside"

by Anida Yoeu Ali, a Cambodian-American artist, on display at Java Arts

For people interested in history and culture, the pace of development in Phnom Penh is often a cause of concern. Historic buildings are torn down and replaced by glass-box skyscrapers, young Cambodians are increasingly preoccupied with Korean music and fashion, etc. But as the city becomes more cosmopolitan, the local arts scene is growing. There are now several galleries and non-profit arts spaces in the city exhibiting high-quality work by local artists. Over are the days where the city's art 'scene' consisted of a half dozen shops selling the same overwrought oil-paintings of Angkor Wat.

Some of my favorites include:

Java Arts, a gallery space and café
Romeet Gallery, an exhibition space affiliated with Phare, a Battambang based arts organization