The House of Cambodia in Paris will be buzzing with cultural resonance as French-Cambodian artist Adana Mam Legros unveils her latest exhibition, "I am Kat Khmer" ("I am half Cambodian") on May 25.
Her paintings are more than a showcase of colour; she describes them as a journey into self-discovery, employing a psychoanalytical approach to engage the public in a process of personal exploration termed "individuation".
With the gracious support of the Cambodian ambassador in France and sponsorship from Naga Balm, in collaboration with the Yuvachun association, Mam Legros aims to delve into the complexities of identity, cultural blending and intergenerational dynamics.
“The exhibition marks a significant milestone in Mam Legros' artistic career, where she seamlessly intertwines psychoanalysis with art manifesting her fervent commitment to social activism,” said a press release from the organisers.
Over the span of more than three years, Mam Legros has meticulously crafted her pieces, drawing inspiration from her own existential inquiries, cultural heritage, and poignant life experiences, including her battle with cancer and her complex relationship with her mother.
In a bid to bridge the gap between cultures and generations, she invites viewers to embark on a journey of introspection, confronting their own emotions, motivations and values.
“Through her canvases, she communicates nuanced messages, tapping into the subconscious to evoke profound reflections on identity and societal norms,” added the press release.
Her artistic career took off with her inaugural exhibition in New York City in 2019. Her successful debut was followed by 17 other international exhibitions.
Sales from several of her exhibitions have been donated to local NGOs, with the artist managing to raise $150,000 for non-profit organisations in the psycho-social field.
Her art has won over several eminent personalities such as actresses Susan Sarandon and Annalynne McCord, renowned American composer Chloe Flower and Cambodian-American singer Laura Mam.
More recently, her creations have found places in the private collections of the head of private sales at Sotheby's Hong Kong and the business magnate behind the Rosewood Hotel Cambodia, Sam Ang Vattanac.
The opening ceremony of the Paris exhibition promises to be a celebration of Cambodian culture and artistic expression, featuring traditional Khmer dance performances by The Twins Provost and Symphonique, the Tep Monorom Association and a fashion show by designer Tiffany Bophadavy Doche.
The fashion parade will mark the official launch of Doche's Cambodian ready-to-wear brand, Revivre, will be Exclusively distributed by Tevoa, innovative concept store highlighting premium Cambodian brands in France, adding a contemporary flair to the cultural extravaganza.
In addition, a round table discussion will facilitate dialogue on the complexities of identity construction and intergenerational transmission within the Cambodian diaspora. It will feature well-known guests including university professor Michel Antelme, anthropologist Anne Yvonne Guillon, psychiatrist Geneviève Welsh, author Lana Chhor and artist Sinath Bou and Mathieu Lam who is a film Director and Editor.
Mam Legros' thought-provoking exhibition is poised to ignite conversations and inspire individuals to embark on their own journey of self-discovery, ultimately fostering a more empathetic and inclusive world.
For those Parisians eager to immerse themselves in Cambodian culture and engage in a profound exploration of identity, "I am Kat Khmer" promises an enriching experience not to be missed.
