IKHONS: A Celebration of Icons through Khmer Art and Global Perspectives

Humanity has long been captivated by icons, from revered figures and celestial bodies to cultural monuments and personal reflections. The word "icon" evolves with society, mirroring shifting values and perspectives. Rosewood Phnom Penh’s latest art exhibition, IKHONS: Khmer Icons – All Our Icons, brings together nine artists from Cambodia and beyond to reimagine the concept of “icons” in a Khmer context. This groundbreaking showcase explores icons in all forms—from ancient temples to modern pop culture, from traditional Khmer art to personal introspection.

Curated by Nat Di Maggio of TRIBE Gallery, IKHONS features works by Carne Griffiths (UK), Hour Soben (Cambodia), Kanika (Cambodia), Lucas Varro (UK, based in Cambodia), Morrison Polkinghorne (Australia), Ngo Van Sac (Vietnam), Ponleu (Cambodia), Pure Evil (UK), and TUM (Thailand).

Featured Artists

Carne Griffiths (UK) - Known for his work with calligraphy inks and natural pigments, Griffiths weaves human and natural forms into dreamlike compositions that transcend physical boundaries. His art evokes a sense of wonder and exploration, inviting viewers into realms of escapism.

Hour Soben (Cambodia) - Inspired by his Cambodian heritage, Soben creates vibrant compositions that blend traditional Khmer motifs with psychedelic colors, including his renowned grey-stone faces. His murals grace public spaces throughout Phnom Penh, a testament to his impact on Cambodia’s art scene.

Sukunth Kanika (Cambodia) - A self-taught artist from Cambodia, Kanika merges traditional Khmer themes with modern techniques. Her watercolor and digital art draw on natural elements and Khmer patterns, infusing her work with a sense of heritage and contemporary flair.

Lucas Varro (UK) - Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, Varro explores the imperfect beauty of Cambodia’s ancient temples. His pieces invoke the spirit of Angkor, offering viewers a meditative journey into the beauty of impermanence.

Morrison Polkinghorne (Australia) - A textile artist and weaver by trade, Polkinghorne brings a unique technique using pin-pricks on paper to create intricate reliefs. His works explore Cambodia’s rivers and waterways, channels that sustain and inspire Cambodian life.

Ngo Van Sac (Vietnam) - Sac’s mesmerizing wood-burned portraits are deeply influenced by Vietnamese culture and the people he encounters. His art channels the raw beauty of his subjects, inviting viewers to experience the intense authenticity of Vietnamese identity.

Ponleu (Cambodia) - Deeply connected to nature and Cambodia’s culture, Ponleu breathes life into forgotten traditions without resorting to caricature. His work reflects his love for Cambodia’s countryside and people, offering a world full of peace, freedom, and love.

Pure Evil (UK) - Welsh-born Charles Uzzell Edwards, known as Pure Evil, brings a street art edge to the exhibition. Famous for his iconic images of crying figures, his work has resonated worldwide, from the Saatchi Gallery in London to galleries in Cape Town and Phnom Penh.

TUM (Thailand)- A renowned Thai street and pop artist, TUM's vibrant works explore identity, culture, and self-expression through bold, colorful compositions.

Daniel Simon, Managing Director of Rosewood Phnom Penh, shared his thoughts:
“IKHONS is a celebration of art’s ability to connect us—across cultures, time, and even within ourselves. This exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the icons that define their world and discover the beauty of shared heritage and individuality.”

In addition to the exhibition, Nat Di Maggio curates Rosewood Phnom Penh’s exclusive 2025 Calendar, a visual celebration of Cambodia’s artistic heritage. The calendar features works by local artists Morn Chear and Rith Bonrotanak, offering an intimate glimpse into the creativity and tradition that define the nation’s art scene.

IKHONS will run from December 21, 2024 to February 20, 2025 at Rosewood Phnom Penh’s gallery space. Admission is free, and all works are available for purchase.