Imagined Territories: Bridging Art and Sustainability T...

Imagined Territories: Bridging Art and Sustainability Through the Eyes of Young Artists at the French Institute

· Apr-Jun25

　#Date:  Exhibition until April 12th, 2025, Special event “To Innovate for a Common World.” on April 8

　#Location: the French Institute of Cambodia

　#FreeEntry

Imagined Territories: Bridging Art and Sustainability 
Sustainable Development Through the Eyes of Young Artists at French Institute

From January 23 to April 12, 2025, the French Institute of Cambodia presents “Imagined Territories: From Battambang to Phnom Penh,” an exhibition that merges art and sustainable development. This collaborative initiative, supported by the Métis Fund, brings together Phare Ponleu Selpak, the French Development Agency (AFD), and a team of artists, aiming to raise awareness of pressing environmental issues and inspire change through artistic expression.

The exhibition showcases four immersive installations, originally crafted and displayed in Battambang in 2023. These works explore critical themes such as water and soil conservation, natural resource management, and humanity’s relationship with the environment. Each piece is a testament to the creative journey of 19 students from Phare’s School of Visual and Applied Arts, who collaborated with environmental mediators and three professional artists.

One standout installation, “Bakprea,” invites visitors to journey through a recreated riverside village, delving into the harmony and struggles of life along Cambodia’s Tonlé Sap. Using natural and recycled materials, the artwork highlights issues like water pollution, plastic waste, and the depletion of fishing resources, while offering a hopeful vision of sustainability and community resilience.

Another piece, “Golden Soil,” celebrates the fertility of Battambang’s land, which sustains 75% of Cambodia’s rural population. The installation emphasizes the delicate balance between agriculture and soil conservation, reminding visitors of the fragility of this vital resource.

The exhibition culminates with a special event on April 8, featuring discovery booths, workshops, and a conference titled “To Innovate for a Common World.” The event aims to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inspire collaborative solutions for a better future.

This artistic journey not only celebrates Cambodia’s natural beauty but also serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for sustainable practices to ensure a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the environment.