Sophanith Run

Born to a small business family in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 1995, I am the most artistically inclined among three siblings. I am interested in diverse art forms such as Khmer classical dance, drawing, fashion, and contemporary building design, with an emphasis on the combination of local culture with modern trends. I graduated from the Royal University of Fine Arts in 2016 and currently work as an architect and graphic designer.

Through my practice, I explore Cambodia’s cultural image, its sustainable development, access to a quality standard of living, and the rights of native Khmer people in the face of globalism. I have a commitment and dedication to championing these issues, and hope to raise more awareness, observation, and mindfulness.

My final bachelor thesis “Phnom Penh Green Corridor” mentored by Dr. Tang Sochetvitou, focused on preserving and developing Phnom Penh Railway Station and the surrounding plot. As part of this project an Art Performance Theater was designed with a concept that was inspired by the legendary Khmer modern architect Van Mollyvan and Khmer traditional architecture.

In 2016, I received the 2nd prize for a Kiosk Design Competition awarded by The Ministry of land and Urban Planning. On September, 2017 I attended the summer school run by KU.LEUVEN University, Belgium. I used drawing, planting, and architecture to give a soft approach and raise awareness of the railroad safety for people living near the tracks. I was selected to be a tourism website and booth exhibition designer by Pathfinder Travel Company where I adapted Khmer Art concepts to modern trends. In my free time I enjoy creating art about Cambodian heritage.