2024-12-07
The Southeast Asian queer Cultural Festival and Cocoon Space collaborate to host a pre-launching event to kick-start the festival in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. In this collaboration, SEAQCF showcases a series of programs including arts exhibition, community brunch gathering,discussion, films screening, and workshops from December 7th - 23rd, 2024. These festivities are under the theme ImagiNATIONS: Transcend Borders, Shatter Biases, Inclusive Futures to celebrate the artistic voices of LGBTQIAN+ creators and to disseminate knowledge and present guidelines for promoting gender diversity rights within Southeast Asia through art and culture.
Art Exhibition
ImagiNATIONS
transcend borders, shatter biases, inclusive futures
7-23 December 2024
Cocoon Space Phnom Penh
Performers: Preah Phirun Dance, performed by Chamreoun Soeurn, dancer and choreographer of អមោឃបាស by The Next Generation
Drag Performance by Haus of Chilli
SEAQCF and Cocoon Space are collaborating to present a selection of photos, artworks, comics, and community publications from Southeast Asia's queer communities. Under the theme "ImagiNATIONS: Transcend Borders, Shatter Biases, Inclusive Futures," this exhibition explores queer lives, decolonizing narratives, and collective joy, reimagining the shared queer identity within Southeast Asia. The exhibition marks the official pre-launch of SEAQCF 2.0: ImagiNATIONS.
Featured Artists:
Works like Oh, for The Love of Women by Kerru (Singapore) || Non-binary II by Kong Dara (Cambodia) || be:longing by Dan Ni (Vietnam) || Kubaha’s Archiving the Patani Queers: Visual Map by Kukasina A. (Thailand) || Days with Nina by Ina Bestari (Indonesia) || Transjoy Comic Series by Jose Ardilla (The Philippines) || Ballad of Freedom by Husna (Indonesia) || Queer Care: A Literary Map-Making in The City by Mark Andy (ThePhilippines) || Chỉ Bàn Lộn by Luu Ann, Đinh Nhung (Vietnam) and Vagina Talks
The featured artists explore personal vulnerabilities, experiences of discrimination, and erasure, transforming these reflections into collective acts of recuperation and reimagination. Works like Oh, for The Love of Women by Kerru (Singapore), Non-binary II by Kong Dara (Cambodia), and be:longing by Dan Ni (Vietnam) confront limiting norms, resist restrictions on sex, gender, and sexuality, and navigate the process of self-discovery. Kukasina A. Kubaha’s Archiving the Patani Queers: Visual Map (Thailand) engages in decolonizing the history of queer women in Patani, while Ina Bestari’s Days with Nina (Indonesia) reimagines queer women’s relationships through letters. Personal resistances evolve into collective narratives in Jose Ardilla’s Transjoy Comic Series (The Philippines), where interviews with trans individuals redefine joy, and in Husna’s Ballad of Freedom (Indonesia), which uses fashion photography to explore self-expression. Mark Andy’s Queer Care: A Literary Map-Making in The City (The Philippines) uses quotes to capture the perseverance and empowerment of queer lives, while Bàn Lộn-Vagina Talks and Đinh Nhung’s Chỉ Bàn Lộn (Vietnam) fosters community through a collective dictionary-zine Making.
Featured community publications:
Series of Zines: Kaluka, Nyawiji by Sabdanaung - 2021-2024, Indonesia
PIRDEzine by Socheat Ly - 2024, Cambodia
Zine: A Queer Burrow by A Queer Museum - 2024, Vietnam
Zine: Panca Abimata, A collection of Queer Prayers by Panggung Minoritas - 2024, Indonesia
Zine: KORIS #5, #6, #7, #8 by KORIS Koletivu: CODIVA and Friends - 2024, Timor Leste
Zine: Sacred Things by Anna Onni - 2024, Singapore
Zine: Atang, Poems and Photographs by Benj Gabun Sumabat - 2024, The Philippines
Graphic Zine: How Long Have You Been Here? By Olan Rene - 2024, Indonesia
Zine: The Lesbian Lexicon (Third Edition) by The Lesbian Lexicon (Collection of Đinh Nhung) - 2015, USA
Book: Chỉ Bàn Lộn(A Lexicon of Queer and Sexuality in ViệtNam) by Bàn Lộn-Vagina Talks and Đinh Nhung - 2018, Vietnam
Book: Chỉ Bàn Lộn 2 by Đinh Nhung - 2022, Vietnam
The featured zines further emphasize the dynamic interplay between individuality and collectivity. Through their creative processes and content, these zines not only embody queer identities but also highlight how personal stories and experiences contribute to a shared narrative of resilience and reimagination. This exhibition serves as an invitation to reflect on our own identities, engage deeply with the works presented, and envision new possibilities for queer lives and communities in Southeast Asia. It encourages us to consider the resources, histories, and challenges that shape these narratives while fostering dialogue and connection. We also invite you to explore the broader scope of SEAQCF, including past and future editions of the festival.
Opening and Discussion
Panel discussion by Kong Dara, Ly Socheat and Miga Diva, Moderated by KESORRR
Topic: “Imaginations: How does Queer Art contribute to an inclusive future for LGBTQ+ people in Cambodia?”
Singapore
Kerru (b. 2004) is a multidisciplinary artist whose works navigate complex socio-political concepts alongside deeply personal explorations of the self. As an individual who is deaf, queer and Asian, she interrogates the taboos of conservative Singaporean society via an aesthetics of maximalist subversion, bringing to light issues traditionally glossed over by the privileged majority, seeking to spark discourse in pursuit of a more equitable future.
Thailand
Kukasina Ayesha Kubaha is a translator, writer, (aspiring) curator and dreamer of better worlds. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Hamburg, where she is pondering on the question of the archive and how to build a counter-archive of Queer Women in Thailand's Deep South through literature, film and contemporary art.
Vietnam
Dan Ni (they/them) is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Saigon and Hanoi (Vietnam). Their works explore various themes, ranging from existentialism, urban intimacy, to gender politics, and cultural decay; with an ongoing interest in exploring new material and techniques, as well as the relationship between analogue and digital. Dan Ni is the recipient of the Prince Claus Seed Awards in 2024, and the British Council’s Connection Through Culture Grant in 2021, as well as other grants and funds. Their works have been displayed at Toong Asia, Manzi, The Outpost, and most recently Nổ Cái Bùm art festival.
Cambodia
Kong Dara (b. 1990, Prey Veng province) studied art at Sa Sa Art Projects. He worked as a curator at the Villa Gallery and Programmes & Partnerships Manager at COCOON. He was also previously a Residency Coordinator at Sa Sa Art Projects from 2017 until May 2023. Dara works across media including drawing, sculpture, and installation, often using pen and colored pencil on paper and clay. His artwork investigates his personal experience, memory, and emotions, and often reflects on social change and LGBT+ communities. His work has appeared in many group exhibitions at Cambodian and international venues including Ku Bar, Bangkok; Nhà Sàn Collective, Hanoi; SA SA BASSAC, Phnom Penh; Sangker Art Space & Gallery, Battambang; Carol Shen Gallery, New York; and Sa Sa Art Projects, Phnom Penh. He has undertaken several residencies in Cambodia and internationally, including at Open Contemporary Art Center, Taipei; San Art Laboratory, Ho Chi Minh City; Tentacles Art Space, Bangkok; Sangker Art Space & Gallery, Battambang; and Sa Sa Art Projects, Phnom Penh. Dara was a recipient of the Alternative Art School Fellowship (2021).
The Philippines
Jose Santos P. Ardivilla is a political cartoonist and printmaker. He is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Visual Communication at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Fine Arts. You may read his essays in comics format at lastpieceofshame.com.
Indonesia
Husna is an emerging photographer based in Jakarta. Upon making photo projects, her narrative often focused on identity, community, and liberation. It reflects on her experience of being persecuted by her parents because of her identity.
Her works were featured at the Jakarta International Photo Festival (2023) and the 25th Suwon International Photo Exhibition (2020). She is part of VII Community by VII Foundation and participated in Youth Voices: Democracy Today Workshop and Grants by PannaFoto Institute (2023).
The Philippines
Mark Andy Pedere is a bayot writer from Taguig City and the province of Leyte. His works have appeared in Ani (CCP), Liwayway, Entrada (PUP), Katitikan, Agwat-Hilom 2 (NCLA), TLDTD, Novice Magazine, Voice & Verse Poetry Magazine, among other publications. He was also a fellow at the Ateneo National Writers Workshop, IYAS La Salle National Writers' Workshop, Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio Writers Workshop, Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program, and Palihang Rogelio Sicat. He was also fortunate to receive recognition from a few national literary competitions. Currently, he is finishing his degree in Philippine Studies (Creative Writing in Filipino and Film) at the University of the Philippines Diliman, while attempting to complete his first book, a collection of plays and essays. He is one the co-founders of Kinaiya: Kolektib ng LGBTQI+ na Manunulat
Cambodia
Socheat Ly or Jason is a passionate Gen-Z graphic designer from Cambodia, driven by a commitment to creating meaningful social impact through his work. His portfolio reflects his journey of growth and exploration, with each project marking a phase of his life that has shaped the designer he is today. With a focus on community contribution and a playful spirit, Jason invites you to enjoy this creative showcase of his evolving artistry.
Cambodia
Miga Diva, a dazzling star of the Cambodian drag scene, reigns supreme as the longest-performing drag queen in the country. Miga is the member of Haus of Chilli in Phnom Penh, she has captivated audiences for over a decade with her unparalleled talent and charisma. Renowned as Cambodia’s number one Lady Gaga impersonator, she effortlessly channels the pop icon’s essence, delivering electrifying performances that leave audiences in awe.
Beyond her stunning stage presence, Miga is a passionate LGBTQ+ activist who has dedicated herself to creating a more inclusive and accepting society. As a co-organizer and host of the Reajiny Pride event for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), Miga has played an important role in amplifying the voices of the LGBTQ+ community in Cambodia. Her commitment to advocacy extends beyond the stage, as she tirelessly works to promote equality, visibility, and acceptance for all.
With her undeniable talent, unwavering dedication, and powerful voice, Miga Diva is not just a drag queen but a true icon who has left an enduring impact on Cambodia's LGBTQ+ movement and entertainment landscape.