Come In
2014
Table borrowed from neighbors, pen on paper and paper notebooks, Lotus flowers,Vase, Fruits, Mat, Cushions
Drawing inside the houses - series with 15 pieces: post card size, displayed together in
photo album - photo book size 20 X23 cm. and drawing on paper size 10x14.7cm
Drawing views of the window - series with 20 pieces: 5.4x9 cm(name card size)
Drawing kids face archive - series with 23 pieces: 21 x 29.7cm (A4 size)
Drawing a daily job - series with 20 pieces, displayed in notebook, 14x 8.6 cm
Orawan Arunrak undertook a residency in the notorious White Building
neighbourhood in central Phnom Penh, hosted by Sa Sa Art Projects, an artist-
run space based in the area since 2010. Orawan’s residency focused on the use
of portraiture as a means to understand people. Through drawing her temporary
neighbours in their homes in 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
in the White Building, the exterior view of their windows, the faces of children in the
community, the simple materials by which many residents earn their daily living,
chiefly 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.
