Kid Face Archive (2014) By Orawan Arunrak

a series of 23 drawings, pen on paper, 21x29.7cm

There are many kids in the White Building, and from the long history of this building, it seems like the kids came after and will stay longer than this building for sure. I feel like this building will maybe be gone some day, some way, but memories, dreams, and hopes will still stay with these kids. And yes, they feel free to think and imagine. In the future they will be the new generation to pass by this situation. I asked them the question, "Where do you want to live?" And I asked them some basic information: their name, age, gender and address. After I finished 23 drawings of kids’ faces, I gave these to Sa Sa Art Projects, because they have an archive for the White Building. So when these kids grow up, we can see and check all of their answers again: where will they be living in the future, and will the White Building still be there, or how has it changed? So this work is a bit about imagining answers to connect with the community of the White Building, too.

part of Come In (2014)
at the White Building, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Table borrowed from neighbors, pen on paper and paper notebooks, lotus flowers, vase, fruits, mat, cushions

Orawan Arunrak undertook a residency at the White Building neighbourhood in central Phnom Penh, hosted by artist-run space Sa Sa Art Projects. Orawan’s residency focused on the use of portraiture as a means to understand people. Through drawing her temporary neighbours in their homes at the White Building, she gained a privileged insight into this creative community. Come In was the title given to the work created during this residency, comprising several series of drawings that illustrate the interiors of homes at the White Building, the exterior view of their windows, faces of children in the community, and simple materials by which many residents earn their daily living by selling food on the streets of Phnom Penh. The drawings were arranged in a kind of “Open Studio” installation in the White Building to share with Orawan’s neighbours and new friends. Orawan enjoyed a mutual exchange with the villagers and surrounding community, which can be seen in the drawings.