Soft Monument is an exhibition by Cambodian-Australian artist Linda Sok which looks to subvert the ways historically felt traumas have been addressed throughout history. The work speaks to the Khmer Rouge Regime without depictions of violence and promotes a softer way of communicating the occurrence of the violent acts perpetrated during this time and its ongoing effects. The current treatment of the remains of those killed during the regime contradict the predominately Buddhist survivors who request for the cremation of the bodies. The installation offers a space for surviving generations to properly memorialise the dead.
Linda Sok is an Australian-Cambodian artist whose practice predominantly focuses on the materiality of objects and their potentials in relation to her culture. Her experience as a member of the Khmer diaspora informs her investigation of her family's experience of the Khmer Rouge and their genealogical effects. Stories from her familial and cultural heritage significantly influence how she chooses to represent confrontational notions of trauma and genocide. Linda has exhibited in institutions such as Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Firstdraft, and Wellington St Projects. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from UNSW Art & Design with First Class Honours and the University Medal in Fine Arts. Linda is currently a studio resident at the 4A Creative Studio Program.
OPENING: Tuesday 16 July 2019, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
EXHIBITION: 17 - 27 July 2019
WHERE: AD SPACE - UNSW ART & DESIGN
ADDRESS: EG01, CNR OXFORD ST & GREENS RD, PADDINGTON NSW 2021
HOURS: WED TO FRI 11AM-6PM, SAT 11AM-4PM
AD Space is a student run exhibition space at UNSW Art & Design. Managed by Arc @ UNSW limited in partnership with UNSW Art & Design faculty.
Image: Linda Sok, Soft Monument (detail) (2019) mosquito nets, gold leaf, metal, string. Installation dimensions variable. Image courtesy the Artist.
