Cambodian Modern Arts Festival ↬ 20 April 2013
FEATURING:
Bochan • JL Jupiter • Michelle Kim • Thavary Krouch • Peter Pa
Pete Pin • LinDa Saphan • Seoun Som • Roy Suon • Kham Tor
PETE PIN CURATOR
There has been a paucity of reflection within our community about the legacy of the Killing Fields.
Many of us learned about the genocide from the internet and documentary films;
generational traumas often make conversations non-existent at home.
For others, a language barrier exacerbates the silence — many in the diaspora cannot speak Khmer.
We are the literal manifestation of Pol Pot’s attempt to erase Cambodian culture.
In spite of this, there’s a growing movement of empowered young Cambodians
who use media and art to explore their cultural identity, political/historical circumstances, and experience.
We carry the dual responsibility of decoding complex personal histories
while contributing to the narrative of a people just one generation from the horrors of genocide.
I am convinced that justice and healing must emerge first and foremost from the collective will of the people.
The arts are a testament to this,
to the continued vitality of the Cambodian people,
to the fact that Pol Pot failed to destroy us,
and that in spite of the seemingly insurmountable difficulties of rebuilding,
we cannot and will not be silenced.
[ Doors open for the Cambodian Loft Party of the century at 7p on 20 April 2013 at Gowanus Loft ]