Specialising in international development, project manager for a local NGO and a keen sportswoman, Anya Minko is also a painter who will be staging her first solo exhibition next Wednesday at the Sra'Art gallery.
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
Yes, my name is Anya, I'm Australian-Thai and I came to Cambodia when I was three years old. So I've been living in the country for 21 years. But I was away for about eight years. I only came back last year. At the moment, I'm concentrating on my art. However, I do have a professional activity, and I'm currently project manager for a Cambodian NGO, focusing on installing vegetable gardens in public schools. It's a wonderful, very simple and effective way of improving school facilities, isn't it?
Tell us about your educational background
I have a BA in International Studies from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. I chose this course because I'm interested in a lot of things.
I like art, but also international development and politics. So that's my field of study. But I'd say it's a bit too broad...
What was your first job?
I helped develop Cambodian women's wheelchair basketball. I was just 17 at the time, but I really enjoyed the job because it allowed me to work in the field. I used to go to basketball and help recruit female athletes.
Then I was a nursery school teacher for two years. I was also a freelance journalist for a local daily at one point. And in between, I tried my hand at art. I did some freelance commissioned work, such as graphic design.
When did the arts really start to attract you?
The arts have always attracted me. From a very early age, I always wanted to be an artist. I love art and so much more. I think I'm only happy if I do a bit of everything. For example, I love my work installing vegetable gardens. It's a job that has a lot of impact and I love working with local communities. I love working with Cambodians in the villages. It's a lot of fun. I love it. But I'm also definitely passionate about art.
I think that's why I'm usually quite stressed because I have so many different interests. And you know, some people make me envious. They just have one interest, they specialise in it and that's it. I'm a bit like “oh, I'm ready to try this, I'm ready to try that.”
Why painting in particular?
I used to do a lot of line drawings. I like coloured pencils and shadows. But for my next exhibition, there are only acrylic paints, even though I'm fairly new to this discipline. For my very first work, I bought a large canvas and started painting after going to Memot for their traditional fishing festival.
How would you define your style?
I would define it as being both very chaotic and very structured. Because if you look closely, there is a structure. There are lots of fine lines, repetitive patterns, very fluid.
But if you look quickly, that's not the case. I like to use bright colours. For me, each piece is an experiment because I go into it without any real intention. And that's how I like to make art. So I start with very messy brushstrokes or colour in the background. Then I let things unfold “organically”, where my hand takes me, because what I have in mind at the start doesn't resemble what I've done once it's finished, because I'm constantly shifting trajectory.
What does painting mean to you, what would be your inspiration?
As far as I'm concerned, I think people think too much about painting. But for me, it's like a form of meditation.
“It's as if I switch off. I stop thinking. I just go with the flow.”
Because in everyday life, we always have to concentrate and think. There's so much pressure to get things done. But for me, art is like my time alone where I don't think about anything. And I feel confident because it's my style and I don't use references or anything. That's why I love art, because there are no limits. I can do whatever I want.
Is this your first exhibition?
Yes, it's my first solo show. I'm delighted, but not really nervous, because I want it to happen. To put it plainly, I stopped for a while. Now I've said to myself that if I don't do it now, the years will go by and I'll regret it. So if I can do it now, and have my first solo exhibition, and hopefully there will be more in the future, then at least I'll feel good about myself.
Are you a perfectionist?
I'm never satisfied, I can be happy, but not satisfied. I think it depends on the work. I think one of the great problems of being an artist is that when you're creating, you have to know when to stop. Sometimes I hate the first brushstrokes, then I tell myself I can come back to it a week later.
Are you happy about this first solo exhibition?
Yes, I'm very happy, yes. Because I want people to be able to discover my art in a different way than through an online catalogue.
Apart from the arts and your work, what are your other passions?
I love cycling, long rides to the outskirts of Phnom Penh. I really enjoy it because not only does it keep me fit, it's good for the environment, but it also allows me to explore so many places that I'd never see with any other means of transport. Before I came back here, I lived in Bangkok and cycled there every day.
Do you have any influences in terms of painting?
I've always loved Dali, ever since I was a little girl, but I have to say that I don't have many references because I prefer to look at fewer works of art so that I can create my own works freely, without influence. I have the impression that if I'm exposed to too many works, I'll end up copying them.
What's your opinion on hyperconnection and social networking?
I'm not really addicted to all that, it's useful for my professional activities and my art, but nothing else. I'm still young and I'd rather spend my free time doing sport than sitting in front of a screen.
What do you like about Cambodia?
There are things that can be dysfunctional, annoying, repetitive, but you're often annoyed by the things you value most. I mean, I love Cambodia for its people, but also because I'm fluent in Khmer.
Even though I'm not Cambodian, I arrived when I was very young and for me Cambodia is not an exotic experience. I've always been like that because of the way my father brought me up. He also made sure I was exposed to a wide range of different people, so I think Cambodia also shaped me into what I am.
What are your expectations for the future?
Oh, what I want is to become an artist, to exhibit more, to sell work, but I also want to continue to concentrate on my work. I think it's a very rewarding project.
I'd also like to become a “cycling influencer”. When I lived in Bangkok, I had my GoPro and filmed so much footage of my cycling. However, editing takes so much time that it's also something I'd like to do a bit later on. But I want to encourage people to cycle. I'm a fan of the sport and I think the only way to convince someone to do something is to talk about it. And little by little, more and more people are cycling, like the people I meet.
Last question, what would you say to attract people to your exhibition?
I think art is different for everyone and I think my art will bring a different interpretation than others because it's very abstract and I think you have to take the time to understand it. So I think if you're keen to see unstructured paintings where you can have your own interpretation, then you should come to my show.
Wednesday 25 September 2024
At the Sra'Art gallery
Starting at 6.30 a.m.
I wish I was in Cambodia to see your exhibition Anya. I love your art: the colours, energy and optimism. Way to go!!