KALEIDOSCOPE
Nature and Colour in the Kingdom of Wonder
Tamara Venn
LAOS
Tamara Venn’s (@tamara_venn_art) first solo exhibition ‘KALEIDOSCOPE - Nature and Colour in the Kingdom of Wonder’ took place at the iconic hotel FCC Angkor by Avani in Siem Reap, Cambodia at the end of last year.
Originally from the UK Tamara made Siem Reap her home in 2018, and now her large scale murals, which pay hommage to the country’s countryside and its wildlife, can be seen across the city. In light of Cambodia’s ongoing battle with deforestation, in 2021 Cambodia demonstrated the highest percentage of primary forest loss on a country-level, Tamara’s work to connect the audience with fast disappearing nature brings added poignancy.
We caught up with Tamara in April 2023 to find out more about an artist whose work aims to “incite curiosity and to motivate learning and concern for the animal and plant life that remains in this beautiful country [Cambodia] and on this planet.” - Tamara.
Hello Tamara! We absolutely loved coming across your beautiful work on Instagram. Could you tell us a bit about yourself, why you became, and how long you have been an artist? Did you study or are you self taught? What led you to end up living in Cambodia?
I graduated with a Fine Art degree in London 14 years ago and moved to Siem Reap 5 years ago. I have family here and I wanted to be close to them. At the time I worked primarily on digital illustration, logo design and murals. When covid hit I remained in Cambodia but the work dried up so I began painting pieces at home. Kaleidoscope and the Wild collections are the finished result of 2.5 years hard work during a very bizarre time. These are my very first exhibitions ever and I oddly thank covid for giving me that time and opportunity to discover what it is that I want to do. I have finally found my purpose.
You have mentioned that ‘Water buffalo’, the first painting created for the Kaleidoscope series, played an important part in further developing your style. Can you tell us more about this process?
Before these paintings I worked predominantly on flora, flowers and plants, never animals. I decided if I could capture that quintessential slightly pissed off Water Buffalo expression I would be ready to try painting animals. I think I nailed him in that piece and that gave me the confidence to continue in this brand new direction and I’m happy to say I have found my style – it only took 30 years!
‘Water buffalo’
Your work involves a variety of techniques: including sketches, stencils and digital mock ups, to name a few. Which stage of your process gives you the most enjoyment?
I enjoy all the stages – but probably the very beginning stage which involves me heading outside and taking photos. That moment when I feel I’ve captured something magical and a painting begins forming in my mind is the best feeling!
You mention that Cambodia’s flora and fauna is often overlooked - has your work been met with surprise by audiences who may not know what incredible species the country is home to?
Often yes – the mural I painted at the Canadian International School on Koh Pich, Phnom Penh was designed purposefully to surprise people. Kids and teachers alike would ask me questions about the animals included in the mural and it was cool seeing the genuine shock and joy on their faces.
‘Native Creatures Of Cambodia’
We understand you have a soft spot for the Cambodian cow, is there a local wildlife species that has also captured your heart?
I recently visited the Prek Toal bird sanctuary and I think I have officially become a birder. I didn’t realise how gorgeous it was out there and the sheer number of birds I saw was incredible! There is a painting in the works of that visit!
For those who have not visited the temples of Angkor can you describe the feelings this site evokes and how this inspiration translates to your work?
The Angkor park is an incredibly special place. I spend a lot of time there riding my bike and just sitting, seeing and listening, taking nature in. What I’ve learnt over the past couple of years about Cambodia’s biodiversity has helped me notice and recognize all sorts of animals out there. It’s a place of calm, meditation and education. I often leave with paintings formulating in my head. An Angkor Thom moat piece is potentially happening from a quick bike ride I went on out there last week.
You are a strong advocate for the ability of humans and nature to coexist thus your work does not shy away from depicting human-landscapes; in fact, your best-selling print ‘Phnom Penh Morning’ depicts a street scene interwoven with wildlife. Why do you think this painting has had such wide appeal?
People like to recognize places they have been. The PP Morning painting can be any one of a thousand streets in the capital – all of the elements that I included of animals and humans colliding and living together – are scenes that you will have seen. That recognition is important I think to many people.
‘Phnom Penh Morning’
What do you think is the role of art in conserving the environment?
Art as a means to communicate is vital – drawing on cave walls is one the oldest forms of human communication. We are all drawn to beauty and if visual artwork can get an important point across as well as a book or an article or a speech then as artist’s we are winning!
A percentage of sales from your ‘Kaleidoscope’ exhibition were donated to ‘The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity’ (@ACCBCambodia), the first nature conservation centre in Cambodia. What made you choose to support this NPO in particular?
I just truly love what ACCB does. It’s so important that organisations like them exist. Bringing nearly extinct animals back from the brink of extinction, educating locals and foreigners about the hugely diverse ecosystems here in Cambodia and the importance of respecting nature is basically the most fundamental lesson to be learnt – and they are incredible teachers.
‘Egrets on the Tonle Sap’
Recently you collaborated with MANAVA (@manava_cambodia), a conscious lifestyle brand supporting rural Cambodian artisanal women. How important are such collaborations to you?
Working with brands that care more about people and nature over profit are always going to be important to me. Who wants to work with the bad guys? Good guys all the way!
Is there a particular species, natural event, site or landscape that you have not yet experienced but wish to?
The African Savannah! And the Amazon rainforest! All those birds, insects, mammals – so much to see and photograph and paint!!!!! Africa maybe this year!
Can you tell us more about your upcoming work?
I am beginning a new series of Cambodia/SE Asian water based paintings, some focusing on waterways that are under threat. As I mentioned earlier the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is one, the Gulf of Thailand coral reefs, the Mekong, rice paddies, Lumphini Park / urban city ponds etc.
I’m really excited about this series – I have so much to research and learn and places to visit and photograph. Watch this space!!!
‘Purple moon’