Meet the Artists Keeping Khmer Culture Alive – One Exhibition at a Time
Cambodia’s contemporary art scene is thriving and one artist adding her creative fuel to the fire is Koem Keo Socheat.
A sculptor and fine artist whose work bridges tradition and innovation she is based in Kampot and trained at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh.
Keo Socheat’s work explores identity, memory, and the layered history of Cambodia through sculpture and visual storytelling.
Her latest series, Acharphay, is a sculptural reflection on Cambodia’s spiritual and cultural roots—an ongoing body of work that invites viewers to pause and consider how the past lives within the present. Her earlier solo exhibitions, including Eyes of Mercy (2019), Why do I…? (2020), and White (2022), tackled themes of self, society, and ancestral knowledge with both grace and boldness.
Socheat’s belief that “learning can happen anywhere” is reflected in her process. Her studio practice is part research, part reflection—and 100% grounded in a deep respect for Khmer heritage.
Where to See Her Work
Her most recent sculptures were displayed in a private gallery on Phnom Penh’s Street 240, one of the capital’s quiet cultural corridors lined with boutiques, bookshops, and art venues. Keep an eye on local exhibition listings or reach out through the artist community to find out where her next work will be shown.
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Why It Matters
Artists like Koem Keo Socheat aren’t just creating beautiful objects, they’re building cultural bridges between Cambodia’s past and its evolving identity.
As Cambodia grows and modernises, these artists help preserve the values, symbols, and questions that define Khmer culture while also carving out space for reinterpretation and innovation.
Discover more Arts & Culture in Cambodia
If you’re living in Cambodia or just passing through, make time for its creative scene. You’ll find it’s one of the richest ways to understand the country beyond the guidebooks.
More Cultural Stops to Add to Your Itinerary
If you’re planning a cultural deep dive while in Cambodia, here are a few more stops to consider:
1. The Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA)
2. The National Museum of Cambodia
3. Meta House
4. Street 240
5. Satcha in Siem Reap
Stay connected with Cambodia Lifestyle for more insights on where to go, what to see, and who’s shaping culture in the Kingdom.
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
