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b.1984, born in Prey Veng, Cambodia. Lives in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Chan Dany graduated from Reyum Art School in 2005. It was there he learned traditional Khmer forms and techniques from master teachers. After graduation, Chan participated in Reyum’s experimental Workshop Program for two years. His group exhibitions include In Transition at Reyum Gallery, Phnom Penh (2007), Strategies from Within at Ke Centre of Contemporary Art, Shanghai (2008), and New Asian Promises at Palais Project, Vienna (2009).
Chan Dany is one of few emerging artists in Cambodia creating contemporary work that employs a flexible knowledge of kbach rachana, or Khmer decorative forms – an ancient code of organic shapes and patterns applied in different styles. For example, a circle derives from the fish egg, a stele shape references the buffalo’s tooth, a bulbous triangle is the lotus petal, and so on. The use of kbach rachana defines something as classically Khmer - from architecture to women’s jewelry.
His practice requires a repetition and patience reminiscent of traditional master-artisan methods of production, such as silk weaving. From a distance Chan’s art even resembles tapestry work, but upon closer viewing his technique is revealed.
Of his arduous and delicate practice, Chan speaks about the materials he employs, noting that what was once his waste is now his medium, “My work is about the evolution of materials and knowledge. I take a wooden material apart and apply its pieces back together onto a wooden surface.”
Chan’s work selected for Forever Until Now is from an ongoing series made with pencil shavings and references four different styles of kbach rajana. Kbach Ankgor replicates an ancient hair accessory in the most pervasive style found at the temple Angkor Wat. Kbach Phni Tes replicates a window shutter in a style said to resemble the acanthus of Western ornamentation. The design taken from a door is the Kbach Phni Vois style of intertwining vines and a mythic animal head. Finally, a floor plate was the inspiration for the lotus-inspired Kbach Daw Chan.
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