Tonle Bassac: Murals and Messages
Jul 9th, 2005 by Jinja
This HIV awareness mural is on the side of one of the Tonle Bassac buildings, designed by Vann Molyvann. (The building, not the mural.) It’s an interesting view of the intersection between international efforts and local art.
I can’t help but wonder – if I had a giant HIV awareness painting on the side of my home, what would people think I’m up to inside?
In this painting the woman could be construed as the deciding factor, or a temptress, depending on perspective. I’m fascinated about how HIV is often personified as a spiky, blobby creature.
Cambodia has scores of murals about HIV, mine awareness, ecology, and more. Some are kitsch, some are poignant. Nearly all are foreign funded. It’s a specific kind of art that’s been around since the 1980′s, and will probably evaporate in the next ten years or so. Take pictures while you can.
Alas, Tonle Bassac area is in the throes of development. Thanks to Khmer Architecture Tours, I was able to get a walk-through of this area and the nearby national theatre.
Pictures to follow once I’ve sorted them.
