Webbed Feet, Web Log

Adieu Deathpower

Jinja — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:44:34 +0000

For upwards of three years we’ve been entertained by Erik Davis’ insights on Cambodian culture, society, and religion - often peppered with his personal perspective on modern day happenings to boot.

But he’s getting out while he’s still at the top of his game.
Read it for yourself; there’s more writing to come but in different forms: journal articles, books and other media. Death; evolution.

http://deathpower.wordpress.com

Global Hybrid Opening Thurs 6pm

Jinja — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:43:02 +0000

Curious to see some of the folks cited in the recent New York Times article on photography in Cambodia?

THURSDAY 2 July 6 PM we celebrate the EXHIBITION OPENING of “GLOBAL HYBRID”.
Cambodian contemporary artists Ouer Sokuntevy (above), Chhan Nawath, Riem Em, Leang Seckon, Pich Sopheap, Kong Vollak, Meas Sokorn meet counterparts from the diaspora (Tom Tor, Sayon Syprasoeuth, Ratha Hanh) as well as US based artists Stephane Janin (France) and Denise Scott. They explore, from their own point of view, how to define their GLOBAL HYBRID position beyond two cultures in this group show. The
exhibition is curated by Denise Scott and Lydia Parusol.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out Bophana Centre’s current Building Exhibition!

[Cheers DAS for article tipoff) Tags: cambodian,photography,visual art,khmer,exhibition

Proh Kouch Deodorant

Jinja — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:22:11 +0000

Saw this iconic image above when driving down Monivong Boulevard, and whipped out my trusty phonecam.

Which led to the development of this spoof ad: ‘Proh Kouch’ deodorant. Why?

‘Cause if we’re gonna dole out embarrassment, guys could do to improve their hygiene too.

Tags: cambodia,advertising,billboard,hygiene

In Search of Khmer Hip Hop Part 13: Dalama 3 Interview

Jinja — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:03:26 +0000

Prach Ly makes the cover of Khmer Celeb for his new album, ‘Memoirs of An Invisible War.’

“it will be released in June [the Khmer version] and in July for the English version.”

More: http://www.khmerceleb.org/index

Tags: cambodia,hiphop,music,khmer

Phnom Penh Punk & ‘Chinese Democracy’

Jinja — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:50:28 +0000

“Rebuilding The Rights of Statues” is my favorite People’s-Republic-of-China-approved “post-punk” band.

No, seriously. Great sounds, they’ve obviously schooled themselves with some great influences. http://wiki.rockinchina.com/index.php?title=Re-TROS

Fun to listen to. And they are OK’d by a ’socialist’ country as a cultural export, served up on a platter for us by Penhville’s business community: Chinese House, Asialife Guide and Tiger Beer. More fun than Pyongyang Restaurant, you just can’t mosh to Karaoke.

I would not want to be a pop musician in China. Working within the system may be the only compromise they can make and maintain some degree of sanity. I’m very happy to hear some body-throbbing reverb in Phnom Penh. (Mind, if they did any covers of Guns & Roses’ latest album, there’d be calls to the Embassy.)

As per the war in Iraq: I’m not happy with USA policies. I have no quarrel with the soldiers themselves. Musicians in tough circumstances? I’m game to listen and meet with Chinese rockers or Cuban hip hoppers. Similarly, I am less enthused about the system they operate in. Maybe there are things we can learn from them, because even in the West, there is less breathing space for independent media.

The whole world caved in to accommodate the PRC during the Olympics. ‘Chinese democracy’ : coming soon to a country near you?

Tags: cambodia,postpunk,china,corporate rock,democracy