sopheap pich: compound

'compound' by sopheap pich, 2011
image © designboom


cambodian artist sopheap pich develops large-scale sculptures that draw on the history of his native country,
daily life and own personal experiences and surroundings. his installation 'compound' is a construction using
agricultural and craft materials found throughout cambodia: bamboo, metal wire, plywood and rattan,
developed as a response to the dramatic progress of urban development and its detrimental effects on the environment.
the towering structure is situated within the foyer of the national museum of singapore, on show as part of the
2011 singapore art biennale, drawing attention to the idea that where there is rapid progress, there is also destruction.
though the piece's stacked geometric structures suggest architecture, the interspersed tubular shapes suggest
bombs or ammunition, and the threat of destruction.



image © designboom


pich's multi-part sculpture responds to the emergence of high-rise architecture in cambodia,
using materials such as bamboo, sustained by the country's wetlands and lakes, that are now being drained for development.
this cityscape is derived from traditional techniques used in craft and agriculture, but also reminds us of the
computer software used in architecture and engineering offices.

it took about 8 months to create the structure that consists of 83 individual units of various dimensions,
in total measuring approximate 400 x 250 x 250cm.



up close of the bamboo and rattan construction
image © designboom



detail of the metal wire used to hold the bamboo and rattan strips together
image © designboom



installation view of 'compound' within the foyer of the national museum of singapore
image © designboom



view of the installation from the second floor
image © designboom


sopheap pich was born in battambang, cambodia in 1971.
he now lives and works in phnom penh.