Absent Friends
Dec 23rd, 2008 by admin
It is with sadness I bid farewell to Miika Mäkinen and Arijan Jansonius.
I first got in touch with Arijan about 8 years ago upon seeing his series of postcards, and was stunned by his detailed linework. I created a simple web page to spread the word, but his art spoke for itself and found him a flow of diverse work. In addition to the visual arts, he presided over and played at ‘Miles Jazz Bar’, a distinctive addition to the live music scene in Phnom Penh. Forewarned that he had cancer, he spent his last weeks with family. His latest illustrations currently grace the cover of the Canby tourist guides.
Miika Mäkinen may be better known as the blogger Khmerang, who shared innovative style and content. Of note was the hilarious ‘Khmeralizator‘ and regular reportage on the Cambodian rock scene. This was aided by his impressive programming skills, much appreciated by the local tech community. A memorial service at Wat Langka marked his passing, with family in attendance.
I don’t have any deep insight to pass on regarding this, but do have regrets I didn’t use my time wisely enough to spend more with these two creative minds. They’ll be missed; their creations remain.
Tags: cambodia,weblog,cartoons,rock
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Comments:
Very sad to learn that Arijan is no more. I’ll remember his fine artwork, but even more his incredible talent as a musician.
Very sad to learn that Arijan is no more. I’ll remember his fine artwork, but even more his incredible talent as a musician.
I met Arijan the day he arrived in Phnom Penh, just before the July ’97 coup. Played music and worked with him many times.
Great guy, huge loss.