The rare painting by Nhek Dim was donated to the Preah Srey Icanavarman Museum of Economy and Money by the family of the late Australian diplomat Robert Merrillees on March 25. Hong Menea
In a significant cultural event at the Preah Srey Icanavarman Museum of Economy and Money (SOSORO), a rare 1960s painting by celebrated Cambodian artist Nhek Dim was officially donated by the family of the late Australian diplomat Robert Merrillees.
The ceremony, held at the museum in Phnom Penh on March 25, symbolises the close connection between Cambodia and Australia, and underscores the importance of preserving Cambodian art history.
The painting, a vivid depiction of the Cambodian landscape through a modernist lens, captures the essence of traditional life with its lush tropical scene and stilt houses. The overall effect is one of harmonious natural beauty, suggesting a typical rural setting in Cambodia.
Acquired by Merrillees in the late 1960s, the piece reflects Dim’s unique style and his contribution to Cambodian culture, before his tragic death in 1978 under the Khmer Rouge regime.
The donation ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including Chea Serey, governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, and Justin Whyatt, ambassador of Australia to Cambodia, alongside representatives of the Merrillees family.
The Merrillees family’s decision to donate the painting after careful restoration demonstrates their commitment to preserving the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.
SOSORO Museum co-director Blaise Kilian expressed his gratitude for the donation, noting its alignment with the museum’s efforts to document Cambodia’s historical and socio-economic journey through its exhibitions.
“The work of Nhek Dim is a reflection of the vibrant cultural and artistic scene that flourished in the post-independence years, before being sadly annihilated by the war and during the Khmer Rouge regime.
“This donation is all the more meaningful as the museum has just inaugurated the revamped part of its permanent exhibition dedicated to the Independence, the Khmer Republic, and the Khmer Rouge regime, with enhanced descriptions of the socio-economic changes that occurred then,” said Kilian.
Dolla S Merrillees, representing her family, spoke of the painting’s significance not only as a piece of art but as a cultural and historical emblem for the Cambodian people.
The family’s hope is that by returning the painting to its homeland, it will inspire and educate future generations about Cambodia’s artistic legacy and resilience.
“We’re thrilled to return this painting by renowned Cambodian artist Nhek Dim to the Cambodian people. Acquired by my parents directly from the artist in the late 1960s, it’s been a cherished possession of ours, alongside portraits he painted of our family,” said Merrillees.
“Given that most of his works were destroyed by the Pol Pot regime, we hope this painting will be enjoyed by generations to come,” she added.
Australian ambassador Whyatt took to social media to celebrate the occasion.
“It’s nice to come home. This work by iconic painter Nhek Dim is back in the Kingdom after travelling the world for over 50 years. A gracious offering by Dola Merrillees and family, gratefully received by SOSORO’s Blaise Kilian and Chea Serey,” he said.
Dim, born to a prosperous farming family in Reap village and commune or Prey Veng province’s Pea Reang district in 1934, emerged as a prominent figure in the Cambodian art scene, with his modernist interpretations of traditional landscapes and daily life.
His work, created mostly in oil and watercolours, represents a bridge between Cambodia’s rich heritage and modern artistic expression.
Dim’s life and career were abruptly ended by the Khmer Rouge, making his surviving works precious relics of Cambodian history.
His artistic style is recognised for its distinctive strokes and use of matte tones. He worked with oil and watercolors, occasionally creating cartoons but predominantly focusing on realism.
His works often depict traditional Cambodian landscapes, tourist sites like Angkor and Kampot’s Teuk Chhou, and Khmer and indigenous people.
The handover of Dim’s painting to the SOSORO Museum marks a moment of celebration and reflection.
The donation enriches Cambodia’s cultural narrative, bridging past and present, and ensuring the legacy of Dim and the era he represented continues to enlighten and inspire.
