Phnom Penh & Solo exhibition : “Rooted” by cambodian artist Chov Theanly at SNA Arts Management

SNA Arts Management is delighted to present “Rooted” by artist Chov Theanly, the first exhibition of a single artist’s work.

The exhibition "Rooted" offers new perspectives, inviting the audience to take a fresh look and learn more about the close relationship between ancient Khmer traditions, culture, civilization, the power of the practice of faith, and adaptation to the surrounding environment, symbolizing the power of nature and the root of life

Through paintings, installation, and a silent single-channel video in which the artist performs for the first time, the exhibition highlights the growth of ideas regarding the transformation of life, social influences, the journey of experiencing psychological healing through culture, and the power of practicing faith alongside a communion with nature, including water, land, and forests.

For some time now, artist Chov Theanly has been trying to find himself. He has moved from one place to another many times, sometimes feeling uncertain, or lost. Try as he might, he still could not solve the challenges confronting him, leaving him stuck and unable to move forward.

However, after observing and learning from family and other elders about their faith traditions, he noticed their acceptance of certain of life’s problems, and the energy of peace that emanated from within those in that faith community.

Theanly then connected himself with the traditions, philosophy, and core of animist beliefs. He found tranquility through the practice of animist rituals, and the complexity of what had seemed to be obstacles began to fade. Theanly also received many answers about life that were new to him. He moved to Siem Reap, where he became closer to nature. The tranquility of the Angkor area's forests and temples, which are sacred, helped him heal, and gave him great energy. In particular, he feels that the influence of faith has given him a new life.

Chov Theanly

Five canvas paintings by artist Chov Theanly, exhibited in the first gallery, depict observations of nature, spending a lot of time with trees and the forest. A focus on the vast clear surface of water allows the artist to connect with his inner self, perhaps a spiritual connection given the sacredness of the place. When he had reached the gate of each temple, it was as if he had entered a new world that gave him a new light, helping him forget his problems. The painting of three gates, looking from the inside out, reveals the light of peace.

Looking from the outside in, it reveals the light of purity. Paintings of landscapes of clear water accompanied by the shadows of plants and the vast forests in the Angkor area have had a positive impact on him, and these landscapes are always close to his heart.

Meditation seeking peace

Now, the audience is invited to view a single-channel video, silently displayed on a television screen, placed vertically alongside a piece of stone covered in gold leaf and another canvas painting presented in the second gallery. This is the first time that artist Chov Theanly has performed.

The filmed performance involves a meditation seeking peace, applying gold leaf onto a stone in the Angkor area. Chov Theanly observed the sculptures made of stone, some of which were broken into pieces, losing their original shape. But for him, these pieces of stone still contain the pure souls of their ancestors. He calls this particular stone the stone of the soul.

The exhibition "Rooted" offers new perspectives, inviting the audience to take a fresh look and learn more about the close relationship between ancient Khmer traditions, culture, civilization, the power of the practice of faith, and adaptation to the surrounding environment, symbolizing the power of nature and the root of life.

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Solo Exhibition by Chov Theanly. March 27 – May 13 2025

Open Hours: 1 – 5pm (Open morning by appointment only, 10am – 12noon)

Closed: Sunday, Monday & Public Holidays Opening Reception: Thursday, March 27, 5-8pm

SNA Arts Management, #16, Street BT (Borey Sambath Mean Heng 3), Phum Tangov Kandal, Sangkat Niroth, Khan Chba Ampoeu, Phnom Penh 121203, Cambodia

Information: sna.artsmanagement@gmail.com, +855 12 422 062

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About the artist

Chov Theanly (b. 1985, Battambang province) lives and works in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. He worked in Phnom Penh as a graphic designer before moving to Battambang in 2011 to focus on his artistic work. His work explores many things taken from his own experience, narrating simple pursuits through stories from everyday life, spiritual practices and simple gestures while remaining sparing in the use of colors and lines. The artist moved to live in Phnom Penh to settle in a larger place for painting (2018-2019); during covid 19, he moved back to live in Battambang (2019-2023); and he has been living in Siem Reap to settle in a proper studio for his painting since April 2023 still now. His paintings have been exhibited many times.

Solo exhibitions include: Looking Forward, the Gallerist, Phnom Penh (2024); The Rise, Batia Sarem Gallery, Siem Reap (2017); Surviving, Lee Gallery, Paris (2017) and several solo exhibitions at Java Art Gallery in Phnom Penh (most recently in November 2016).

About SNA Arts Management

SNA Arts Management is the first Phnom Penh, Cambodia-based agency connecting contemporary Cambodian visual artists with the broader art world. With extensive experience working with galleries, other art spaces, and arts organizations locally and globally, our main aim is to promote Cambodian visual arts and introduce artists to local and international art markets. We provide strategic career management, professional guidance, professional art space/collection/storage and consultancy to visual artists at all stages of their career. We also support and encourage their artistic development.

« I have spent my life surrounded by the arts. I grew up within a performing arts family, and married a visual artist. I revere great beauty and creativity. I live to share my passion for the arts with others by showing the work of Cambodian visual artists to people the world over. »

Chum Chanveasna (SNA)