The ‘Group 78′ villagers right across from Dey Krahom (cheek to jowl with the site of the new Australian Embassy) have been told that if they don’t get out by January 1st, they won’t be given anything in compensation. They are on much shakier legal ground than their neighbors, having been served eviction notices already.
I’ll see if I can whack up a picture tomorrow.
Tags: cambodia,evictions,khmer,society
Comments:
John,
Glad to see someone out there is blogging from Cambodia. I’m a Cambodian photographer for network television and just happened to stumple upon your site. Pretty intersting stuff. I’ll be checking in often to get the latest news from Cambodia thru you.
Thanks for sharing,
Ron
Posted in current events, news, urbanization | 2 Comments »
Dey Krahom is an urban village in the middle of a growing capital city. You can always find a smile there, if you care to look. The community resides in the shadow of one of Vann Molyvann’s classic landmarks, ‘The Grey Building’, and has been the home to many in the arts community.
I first became familiar with the area when working with some of the musicians of Cambodian Living Arts. Villagers have been asserting their right to ownership of their land, and worked with a variety of human rights organisations to demand appropriate compensation.
After all, it’s conveniently located right next to the National Assembly’s building. They shouldn’t have too much trouble having their concerns heard, right?
A notice letter was recently sent to the village’s remaining 91 families, ordering them out of the area by December 30th 2008. No mention was made of what would happen if they refused to comply.
A media conference will be held in Dey Krahom this Monday, December 29 at 2pm.
(Contact Prum Vichet (Khmer language only – 011 625 558))
Meanwhile, a little historical and social context from Andy Brouwer.
http://www.andybrouwer.co.uk/blog/2007/08/update-on-dey-krahom.html
http://www.andybrouwer.co.uk/blog/2008/02/more-from-dey-krahom.html
And if you want to review the legalities, here’s a report (PDF). More info as it rolls in.
Tags: cambodia,evictions,khmer,society
Posted in current events, news, stuff | 3 Comments »
Concept sketch Jinja, pencil and ink Vuth, coloring Channa. Originally for Our Books.
Tags: cambodia,holiday,khmer
Posted in more stuff, Other Goodies | No Comments »
It’s breezy and cool – for Cambodia. Perspectives on just HOW cool differ.
Concept sketch Jinja, pencil and ink Vuth, coloring Channa.
Everywhere you go, you always take [preconceptions of] the weather with you. Happy Holidays!
Tags: cambodia,weather,holiday,khmer
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
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.
Paul
Posted in comics, current events, jazz, more stuff, music, news, visual art, weblogs | 2 Comments »
