LOWELL -- While staring at one of Chantha Khem's vivid, yet melancholy paintings, the brutal numbers surrounding Pol Pot's oppressive Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia become more real.
More than 1.7 million dead.
Twenty thousand mass grave pits.
More than 60 percent of survivors suffering post-traumatic stress disorder.
Images featuring this nation's despotic history, in addition to scenes from happier times, are hallmarking Cambodian Expressions, a unique monthlong exhibit on Cambodian culture that features exhibits, art, films and workshops celebrating the themes of "Diaspora, Heritage and Development."
During yesterday's opening ceremony at the Boott Mills Gallery, featured artist Khem said through a translator that he wants Asians and non-Asians to learn about Cambodian culture, see the daily lives of his people and learn from their struggles.
"We want generations to come to keep studying and not take things for granted," he said.
Khem, who has been drawing and painting since he was 9, came to the United States a few months ago after seeking political asylum in Canada in 2001.
His controversial paintings were banned in his native country and several were destroyed by government officials for their harsh depiction of the repressive state.
Several of his pieces show emaciated children with tattered clothing in refugee camps, while others show the beauty of Cambodia's historic Angkor Wat temple.
Tooch Van, an international student adviser at Middlesex Community College and exhibit coordinator, said he also wants people know the beauty inside Cambodia.
"A lot of people only see the Killing Fields," he said. "The genocide. But we want people to see beyond that. The history and the culture -- both sides."
Van added that many children of Cambodian immigrants also have a very difficult time speaking to their parents about their family's past.
"Some kids don't want to be Cambodian," he said. "And we can't blame them either. Our hope is to send a message to them through the arts."
Marge Rack is one of those individuals who is using art as a bridge toward understanding.
The Middlesex Community College instructor, who teaches foundation art courses, said events like Cambodian Expressions can help make immigrants want to live here and come together on bigger municipal issues.
"It's time to celebrate (their) vibrant culture," she said. "We need to find people who survived and give them a space to continue to create and share their knowledge."
Cambodian Expressions will continue through April 26 and include a New Year's celebration April 15 at the Lowell Community Charter School.
More than 1.7 million dead.
Twenty thousand mass grave pits.
More than 60 percent of survivors suffering post-traumatic stress disorder.
Images featuring this nation's despotic history, in addition to scenes from happier times, are hallmarking Cambodian Expressions, a unique monthlong exhibit on Cambodian culture that features exhibits, art, films and workshops celebrating the themes of "Diaspora, Heritage and Development."
During yesterday's opening ceremony at the Boott Mills Gallery, featured artist Khem said through a translator that he wants Asians and non-Asians to learn about Cambodian culture, see the daily lives of his people and learn from their struggles.
"We want generations to come to keep studying and not take things for granted," he said.
Khem, who has been drawing and painting since he was 9, came to the United States a few months ago after seeking political asylum in Canada in 2001.
His controversial paintings were banned in his native country and several were destroyed by government officials for their harsh depiction of the repressive state.
Several of his pieces show emaciated children with tattered clothing in refugee camps, while others show the beauty of Cambodia's historic Angkor Wat temple.
Tooch Van, an international student adviser at Middlesex Community College and exhibit coordinator, said he also wants people know the beauty inside Cambodia.
"A lot of people only see the Killing Fields," he said. "The genocide. But we want people to see beyond that. The history and the culture -- both sides."
Van added that many children of Cambodian immigrants also have a very difficult time speaking to their parents about their family's past.
"Some kids don't want to be Cambodian," he said. "And we can't blame them either. Our hope is to send a message to them through the arts."
Marge Rack is one of those individuals who is using art as a bridge toward understanding.
The Middlesex Community College instructor, who teaches foundation art courses, said events like Cambodian Expressions can help make immigrants want to live here and come together on bigger municipal issues.
"It's time to celebrate (their) vibrant culture," she said. "We need to find people who survived and give them a space to continue to create and share their knowledge."
Cambodian Expressions will continue through April 26 and include a New Year's celebration April 15 at the Lowell Community Charter School.
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