Death and all it’s Cambodian Friends

2022
G3 ArtSpace, Parkdale

_{Death and all its Cambodian friends explores death, its historical meaning, cultural context and current relevance through a Cambodian-Australian lens.}

_{Including painted portraits of my references the black and white portraits of Khmer (Cambodian) people before they were killed in the genocide.}

_{These paintings pay homage to my family, both alive and more recently deceased. They shed light on stories of multiple generations exploring themes of survival and gratitude and the contrasting traditions around death.}

*Portrait of a Khmer (Cambodian) father,* 2022, acrylic, 120x90cm

_{Qimgming Festival (Tomb sweeping festival)}

_{An annual tradition often involving cleaning of tombs to commemorate ancestors.}

_{Andrew Duong references death in the current tradition where family come together to share food, burn joss paper and give prayers for Ama (grandmother).}

*Untitled series*, 2015, acrylic on board, 90x120cm (5)

_{Black and white portraits were often captured before people were killed during the Khmer Genocide.} _{In many cases black and white portraits are all that remain for the victims, many of whom are still unknown.}

_{My parents and family were all fortunate to escape the war and he has referenced family photos for these series of paintings. I spoke with family members describing the story behind each photo.}

_{These audio interviews were then converted into sound-wave-like visuals, covering the faces, leaving everything else in the image to tell their story.}