Discover how Fonki’s murals are reshaping Cambodia’s artistic narrative, one vibrant stroke at a time.
Meet Fonki, a dynamic artist blending tradition with modernity in Phnom Penh’s thriving art scene. From his early fascination with street art in Montreal to his exploration of ancient Khmer design, Fonki’s journey is as vibrant as his creations.
As a curator and owner at FT Gallery, Factory Phnom Penh and a contributor to the 2023 SEA Games art showcase, FONKi plays a pivotal role in Phnom Penh’s art landscape. Prestige sat down with the artist to chat about how murals are rewriting the script for Cambodia’s art scene, adding a splash of colour and culture to the city’s landscape. For FONKi, murals are more than paint on walls; they’re a bridge between communities, galleries and the streets, a conversation starter with passers-by. His art, from the graceful Khmer apsaras to portraits of his ancestors and even King Sihamoni of Cambodia, weave tales of tradition in a contemporary setting. Each piece is a vibrant snapshot of Cambodia’s rich history, a visual story waiting to be told.
Could you tell us about the Murals for Cambodia Festival and its evolution?
The festival has gained a life of its own, attracting artists globally. It started at the Factory in Phnom Penh and expanded, even partnering with the S’art festival in Battambang. This year’s event was held at Factory Phnom Penh in mid-November and was preceded by a project in Koh Kong.
What inspired you to initiate the festival?
I dreamt of a mural festival, a celebration of the Khmer Renaissance. It’s a platform connecting Cambodia and the world through creativity.
What’s the mission of your festival?
Murals breathe life into a city. They uplift communities, creating beauty and fostering connections. Our mission is clear: ‘changing the face of Cambodia, one wall at a time.’ There’s another critical aspect to our festival—to put Cambodia’s artistic talents on the map. Just as Montreal, parts of Vietnam, and Penang in Malaysia have undergone artistic revolutions, we believe Cambodia can be a place for cultural discovery. Travellers from all walks of life can be drawn here by its open-air museums and thriving art scene.
Tell us about your journey to Cambodia and your decision to live here?
Since I was four years old, Cambodia has held a special place in my heart. It’s a country I visit with my family all the time. My artistic journey here started in 2012 when I embarked on the making of a documentary named ‘The Roots Remained.’ My initial intention was to paint murals across the country. At 15, my artistic calling took shape, rooted in the vibrant culture of graffiti. Cambodia, with its rich history, called me to leave my mark, quite literally. My name started appearing on walls across the country. However, I wanted something more, something that would resonate with the soul of Cambodia. It took me three years to find that connection. Back then, I had my scooter, and I’d zip around with my filmmaker buddy. We’d find rest in pagodas and transform schools into vibrant canvases. It was about art and connection, where words weren’t necessary. Those were the years of freedom, years that hold some of my fondest memories. It was an investment in myself, a nurturing of my craft. Freedom, to me, wasn’t just about self-indulgence. It was about finding purpose. And so, the rules I set for myself in Cambodia became the foundation of my journey. They laid the groundwork for FT Gallery, a space where art breathes and tells stories, much like the vibrant streets of Phnom Penh.
How have things changed in the art scene since 2012?
Khmer street art in Cambodia has come a long way. Picture 2007—just a bunch of friends creating art together. Now we’ve got a bustling mural scene. Thanks to festivals, artists from all walks come together to celebrate. It’s a team effort involving mainly the artists, people from the government, organisations like Phare Selpak, and, of course, everyone from the neighbourhood. All these ideas bridge gaps, turning walls into canvases for celebration and chit-chat. Art, you see, is a universal language. It breaks down barriers, letting folks talk about anything and everything—from everyday stuff to shared dreams—now we’re in full-blown renaissance mode. The support for artists in places like Battambang has grown since 2012, from graffiti culture to playing a role in Cambodia’s artistic scene, and this year marked my return to Battambang after nine years. The last time I was there, I was on a scooter, hearing the life stories of its people. Yet, I was still that 15-year-old kid mentally, still pursuing graffiti culture. It’s like riding a Tornado Boat; the motion is so fast that you overlook the journey. It’s only when you pause and look back that you realise the wake you’ve left. Friends from around the globe reached out, expressing awe at the path I’ve paved. They thank me for bringing them here, to this vibrant canvas that Cambodia is becoming. The years saw projects coming to life, a tribute to my Khmer heritage, a means to navigate my diasporic identity not through my parents or their generation. Art became a tool for healing, understanding, and, ultimately, for giving back.
How has your art changed over time, and what do you see for yourself in the future?
Graffiti has transformed into street art, influenced by movements like Impressionism and the Renaissance. I mix in elements from neoclassicism in my Khmer renditions and more. Street art serves as a reflection of society, a tradition seen from the ancient Greek murals to the Angkor Wat bas-relief. At 34, I believe I’ll forever stay young through my craft. It’s invigorating, like my dad, who sometimes outpaces us all. For the past few years, the responsibilities of managing a business made me feel older. Although I had formal training in art and animation, street art is a realm with no fixed rules or schools. While my initial goal wasn’t to make a living through painting, I’ve always been drawn to creating and storytelling. My dream is to build a multimedia empire through FONKi World, reminiscent of Disney’s world of imagination. Murals, films, festivals–they all serve as threads to weave stories, and my passion for animation remains strong. I’m still young, I’m determined to work towards wealth, not just for myself but to fuel more creative projects.
