Friday, December 26, 2008

Controversial artist [Reahu] fights back

Friday, 26 December 2008
Written by Sam Rith and Cornelius Rahn
The Phnom Penh Post


The mysterious artist whose depictions of bare-breasted Apsara dancers and Khmer Rouge soldiers unleashed a public outrage has fought back in a series of pointed attacks on critics


AFTER generating a firestorm of criticism for depicting topless Apsara dancers and scantily-clad Khmer Rouge soldiers, the Khmer-American artist who calls himself Reahu lashed back at his detractors in a series of web postings.

"If this brings down the Khmer culture, then your Khmer culture is still under the Khmer Rouge," he wrote in a recent message posted on his website, reahu.net.

Reahu's nude images have struck a nerve with conservative Cambodians, prompting scathing messages on his website and government calls for an outright ban of his website.

Among the critics is noted Cambodian painter Vann Nath, one of the few survivors of Tuol Sleng prison who called the paintings of a bare-breasted female Khmer Rouge soldier disrespectful.

A controversial erotic graphic depiction of an female Khmer Rouge fighter. (Graphic by Reahu at Reahu.net)

"I am concerned because [Reahu] took the sadness of millions of Cambodian people who suffered during the Khmer Rouge regime and joked around with it like this," he said.

Ing Kantha Phavi, minister of Women's Affairs, said she has requested that the website be blocked in Cambodia, claiming that 70 percent to 80 percent of Cambodian women were offended by the paintings.

"At that time, if [people had been naked] in such a picture, they would have been killed by Khmer Rouge cadres," she said.

But the artist is standing defiant in the face of the public backlash.

"Please enlighten me: [How can] a picture destroy Khmer culture?" he challenged critics.

"Unless there is something wrong with the culture. If the culture is strong and you have confidence, you shouldn't worry," he wrote in response to often angry comments on his website.

"Judging from the complaints, I wonder how we as Khmer will be able to make it in the 21st Century. Please be open-minded, you must be able to see beyond the four walls surrounding your hut."

Youk Chhang, director of the Document Center of Cambodia, said that many artists expressed their anger at the Khmer Rouge through art.

"Artists use emotional resistance and provocative design, painting what was impossible in the regime in order to reflect their cruelty back at the former Khmer Rouge leaders," he said.

"This is like [artists] pointing an AK-47 into the mouths of former Khmer Rouge leaders."

Reahu's work has also attracted support from many viewers, who accused critics of ignorance of Cambodian art.

"All Apsara women on the walls of our temples reveal the beauty of Khmer women the same way," one person posted on the site. "Are Khmer saying that our Angkor artists were bad too?"

Another user suggested that critical comments should be kept on the website. "It will [show] the contrast between what is art and what is ignorance about art, history and culture."

On his Myspace.com profile, Reahu describes himself as a "pure-bred Khmer" and a college graduate from Chicago.

90 comments:

Anonymous said...

Art is for Art. What is beauty? Why on the wall of Angkor Wat Apsara dancers are presented breastnake?

If you look at the Roman and Greek statues, Men and women are presented nake.

Human deeply understand Art since before the Antiquity.

Be open minded!

A PPenh resident.

Anonymous said...

If you live during Angkor or Roman period is ok. But now is 21st century and now Cambodia is facing the social problems such as rape (even father rape their daughters, young boy rape old girl or in contrast...) why we need to fuel this situation?

Anonymous said...

REAHU, why don't you draw nake Buddha and you claim it is the 21st century art?

Anonymous said...

I supported Reahu art works 100%. Only ignorances who have labelled them as an offence to Cambodian culture. As I have said before, we must value art work and value our culture differently. We value our artist with their brushes works to express their felling and their finding. For our culture, we protect by not committed any crime on it. BUt at present almost all Cambodian officials have destroyed Cambodian culture themselve by allowing Cambodian women to be exploited by their moneys. Example They have exploited sexual contact with Piseth Pilika and then have killed her. They didn't even want to find who was the killer. How they wanted to protect Khmer Culture.Areak Prey

Anonymous said...

Greedy! A person who can not make money other way. And does not care million others Khmer feeling. This person will not stop at nothing to go on making something beautiful to vulgar-by be a little on our belove Apsara, something so saddness to dirtness. A sick, sick person. I am sure there is mental hospital in Long Beach a person can check in too.

Anonymous said...

4:26PM,

I agree with you.

Reahu, paint nake pictures of Muhammad and sell them in Iraq, Iran, or Afghanistan, then you will understand art clearer.

Cheer!!!

Anonymous said...

Those who do anything about art please shit the hell up. Budha and Muhammad has never been naked so why should reahu painted them naked....Reahu just what was on the wall of Angkor Wat in a creative way. Please be open minded and see the world in the 21st Century.

Anonymous said...

Understanding the language of art before judging. I've learn from my couples of year in college from a friend of mine who is major in art. He draw a picture of mountain and a river and that what I saw a mountain and a river. He than went on to explain to me that there are more than just a mountain and a river. He than point it out bothside of the clip actually a man and a woman faces and the river actually was a tears dropping and when I move back three feet I see a broken heart.

When I look at that Apsara, I saw a lots more than just a nude Apsara, to me it is a masterpiece of art, take a look carefully there are lots more information in the pictures.

People complaining is an expression of misunderstanding the language of art.

keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, and the language said, "give it to me, babe! give it to me! I need it badly... . Forget your old and rusty wife."

Anonymous said...

Re: Ing Kantha Phavi, minister of Women's Affairs, said she has requested that the website be blocked in Cambodia, claiming that 70 percent to 80 percent of Cambodian women were offended by the paintings.

Cette salope Ing Kantha Phavi la ne sait meme pas que 90% (et meme plus que ca) des femmes khmeres n'ont meme pas acces a l'internet?

Merde!

Anonymous said...

How many Khmer women have the access to internt even up to these days? That's not relevent!

Anonymous said...

The picture above is a pure reahu's fantacy. There is no such thing as Khmer rouge's lady getting naked and have a chance to turn on like that. She can do it, if she has a death wish. sure... Get thru your head people, it's just an art expression and what went on in the mind of an artist. It's also very funny to think that anyone could dream of making love to a tigress. Hey, that's called curageous and daring. By the way, it's the first picture ever of a female Khmer rouge posting in such position. That's really hot!and talking about disrespectful. You hit the nail in the head. Again KR's ladies didn't behave like that. They were trained only to kill and defense their men and regime. They did not train to make xxxx for the love of God. Those KR's men were crazy. They have no pleasure whatsoever in their heads, except killing and creating hell. That was all they knew. Don't you people pity them? They needed help. Putting the top sucker heads in jail may cure them completely. Oh yes, they need it so so bad.

Anonymous said...

The stupid " high rank official" aka stupid women who make did criticism is not even khmer! She look eith totally chinese or youn!

What does she really know about khmer or khmer art or khmer-ness! ?

She should just shut her face! Cambodia now is almost like the second coming or repetition of khmer rouge all over again and again under hanoi running/ backing like the pol pot error or khmer rouge erro.

Anonymous said...

In respond to 9:23pm,

:)

Anonymous said...

We think reahu's paintings are absolutely beautiful. They are definitely sensualand there's nothing wrong with that? They show women as powerful godesses. Which they are. Breasts are beatiful. There's nothing disrespectful about that.

Anonymous said...

"If you live during Angkor or Roman period is ok. But now is 21st century and now Cambodia is facing the social problems such as rape (even father rape their daughters, young boy rape old girl or in contrast...) why we need to fuel this situation?

4:12 PM"

If you can link the 400 rape cases this year to Reahu painting, then maybe we need to do something about his arts. But the fact is rape existed since the begining to time not because of his painting. What happen today in Cambodia is because we have a weak government..a government that's run by a bunch of thugs and rapist themselves. Keep it up Reahu. Love your art work.

J

Anonymous said...

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know a link between the 400 raped cases and Ah lowlife donut makers abroad.

Anonymous said...

Why is it so big deal, the culturally and morally righteous? It bothers so much, ha? As I said before, Nhiek Dim drew the similar pictures since 60s. It is not that one picture that ruins your Khmer pure culture! I think those who protest the most are the sex maniacs.

Anonymous said...

they make donut, but they are doing at their own free will. Not like you who live in fear of a controlling communist freak. your wealth and freedom were accounted to nothing. it's equal to poop.

Anonymous said...

9:50PM, I'm not a donut maker, but I want to tell you that a donut maker living abroad is still much better that you a crook, sucking your own people's blood to survive. A do nut maker is a hard-woking man who live morally right. Perhaps, a donut man gave you too little money, tha's why your get so upset and wildly mad at him, right.

Anonymous said...

Seem there are lot of sick mind. If you want to get off, there are printed hard copy such as Play Boy or there plenty naked porn picture on the net-do not drag Khmer Apsara leveling those pictures, and using art as your coward hidden reason. Drawing naked Apsara is not elevate Khmer Art, you degrade her. Only sick men like it. You sick bastard!

Anonymous said...

you are the most sickly sex maniac pretending to be morally right, but behind the scene you're hunting for sex!

Anonymous said...

. . . and if this picture makes you so sick at heart, just go right straight to talk to your Hun Sen, a man who has committed adultery
all along, he will be able to solve this problem for you, sons of the devil. And if Hun Sen can't, go to Prek Thnot!

Anonymous said...

To 9:23 AM,

During Khmer Rouge Regime there were a lot of RAPES, but they killed the victims off to cover up their atrocities.

Ta Chham, a nokorbal Khmer Rouge in Battambang, Boeung Raing had ordered a beautiful Phnomm Penh girl to see him. He did rape her, and then killed her to remove her liver to fry.

How about under Neay Kh'vang Yuon puppet Regime with many CHILD PROSTITUTES. And go to check on YOUTUBE.COM for sure.

The author of Norna Chea Kheatakors Reas Khmers ?

Anonymous said...

Analyze this:

What caused rape? Nudity? Perhaps Environment?
Would elimenated nudity images will eliminated rapes?

4:12 PM, Do you or one go around raping others after reviewing nude images? Maybe not.

Sexual oriented and art, shall not ever be coincided. Rape is a mental disease which can or can not be cured depending on ones committment.


Ones who perceived nudity of images as sexual fantasy, thus, those are either affected with perversion OR possessing some level of disease.

Art do not contribute crimes.


And 9:50 PM, I need not comment any more for you. A few from above is quite enough for you. All I can say is you ought to go out more often. You are now not happy with anything. Perhaps You are in deep depress. If that the case I suggest seeking help ASAP.

Anonymous said...

You are a Khmer who ran away from your country , that's why you are completely do not understand that khmer culture is so strick. How many Kon Khmer who is living in USA and want to bring down the khmer culture ?, pls god bring them to the hell.

Anonymous said...

One question for those whose really are offended or perhaps patronizing at an achievement of Khmer overseas;


Does Muslim world which forbidden naked images and 10 times strick beyond Khmer's culture, do or do not have rape crimes?

Answer that.

Anonymous said...

Amd Mee Chkout give bue bags to monk in previhear?????

Anonymous said...

I will support Ung Kunthaphavy statement only if
She can close all brothels and Karaoke in Cambodia...

Especially if this government can force company
to erase the name of Angkor Beer, Cigarette Angkor, etc.

And this will never happen !

Happy Holidays !

Khmer Canadian

Anonymous said...

Anyone living in Cambodia shall not have access to such arts. It is consider a black market piece of item and will be prosecuted by the law.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to say this to Reahu and I know you have no gut to do either.

All the Cambodian ministry and some right wing(red) wanted you to paint APSARA in the Viet Namese dress(aav phai) and wear the duon(the vietcong hat)then they are will satisfy with it.
Half side of the brain

Anonymous said...

Ah 1:31am, You are way off the topic, if you don't have anything constructive to say, just shut your mouth. Go bake your doughnuts ah lowlife doughnuts maker.

Anonymous said...

Leave Reahu alone..we have more problems on our hands then a naked painting pictures.

Anonymous said...

When will we ever learn to support those who dare to stand up against tyranny?

Reahu has done no harm to anyone except truely showing and displaying his expression through arts and it happened to be the Art of Apsara. There is nothing wrong with his depictions then those on the Angkor's wall. One with color which clearly showing the beauty of what Apsara in reality looks like while those on the Angkor's wall is simple a colorless, but its images are clearly the same on the contrary.

There are many important issues that Cambodia has to face with and this is not one of them. When will our leaders ever understand the importance of constructive criticism? This is simply a personal expression but through artistic resistance and not through voice interaction. If living as human and you are not allow to express yourself without any retaliation from a government when will we ever be free from tyranny? I support what Reahu is doing as long as he did not harm anyone. Now for those who are offended by these images, they dont have to look at them and they can stay away from them for good. They have a choice, just as Reahu has his choice and he is a creative person so he chose Apsara to be his companion.

I rest my case. Good job Reahu! Keep up the good work!

I thank you


ST

Anonymous said...

Good as always that Cambodian govt ministers diverts real issues-they themselves screw many under age girls illegally, mutilate them, and now pretending Khmer society is too good to be trashed by reahu's little paiting. it really sickens me. Typical Khmer leaders, CPP ones, I mean. Real issues, no , they don't exist, but artistic form , freedom of expression- the foundation of justice- is banned.

This is the same issue of Yash Ghai coming back. the CPP is so good at nitpicking, but don't they them to solve real issues- massive prostition, deforestation, illegal immigrants, land grabbing, rampant corruption, politcal repression, health care, unemployment, border encroachment by the yuan and siam.

If any link to this art form, reahu artwork is nothing other than showingthe reality of massive sexual abuse in Khmer society.

Anonymous said...

This type of Western filth has no place in our society. That prostitution, karaoke bars, and casinos exist in Cambodia does not mean we must absorb all the bad influences from around the world.

Unfortunately, we have too many Westerners and pro-Western Khmers in Cambodia to corrupt and confuse our people. They turn our men into lady boys for their perverted amusements.

Khmer people must eliminate all Western filth from our country to preserve our beautiful and dignified culture.

Today, it's pornographic Apsara...tomorrow it may be pornographic pictures of the Buddha himself.

Enough is enough. Take your "art" and shove it up your ass where it belongs.

It is not welcome in my country!

- Khmer Patriot, Ph.D.

Anonymous said...

You3:37AM, you should never learn English or French since you hate westerners so much.

Anonymous said...

3:50 AM -

I'm not going to argue with you. Whether I love or hate the Westerner is irrelevant.

Let me reiterate my unequivocal and categorical demand as a red-blooded Khmer: Keep this filth out of my country!

Just like the white pedophiles, the pro-Western Khmers, and the ridiculous Lao Mong Hay, Cambodia has no use of that type of rubbish.

I thank you.

- Khmer Patriot, Ph.D.

Anonymous said...

Khmer people must eliminate all Western filth from our country to preserve our beautiful and dignified culture.

What is wrong with this statement? I sensed nothing but full of hatred and vengence. This statement alone will chill my spine as Khmer. This statement is the same as and once spoken by Khmer Rouge. To find Utopian Society, elimination all of Western filth...why are we using the dollars as currency in Cambodia? Why did we beg for more money and funds from that of Western countries such as the US and EU? To preserve our dignified and beautiful culture one must understand what these definitions mean. Khmer culture has been destroyed by Khmer Rouge when they eliminated of more than 1.75 million lives which all were Khmers. There is no longer a pure Khmer race inside of Cambodia. Your people have been eradicated during the Khmer Rouge, what is left now are mostly Khmer Sino of something. To preserve such culture and tradition, one must obey the rule of law.

Thank You


ST.

Anonymous said...

3:37Am do you have mad cow or mad dog disease ?I'm sick and tired with stupid &ignorant people like your self. In the khmer rouge era that fucking typical khmer viet brain washed like you use to preach with this kind of disguise bible so cease your comment immediate,that none sense and it doesn't work that just the old school tacts ,every Cambodian families 8 out of ten they have their relatives living abroad you know that but you try to be intelligence on your own mind your moth is stinker than the bad eggs.Reahu owner please do not loose your sleep with the khmerouge thinking you are the best, I give you two thumb up!
This Yiekcong PHD just want you to put Vietnamese dress (aav phai) and re place the Apsara crown and replace with the Viet hat(doun) then they will approve your art for the Cambodian museum, with your talent and painting (reahu)you are number one even better than Nheuk Deum,if that artist name Nheuk Deum still alive he will be ashame of your work.
Keep up ,you are the best!!!!!!



Love U love u and love your painting.
Pure khmer USA

Anonymous said...

mouth not moth4:41Am

Anonymous said...

Congratulations KI-Media: You've graduated from low-level plagiarism to become soft-core pornographers.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations KIMedia you help us to let the world see what a mafia State of Cambodia running their dictatorship and oppress it citizen and connect us to khmer around the world .

Anonymous said...

4:40AM and 4:41AM -

Look, since you're both Khmer, I'm not going to attack you...that's assuming you're Khmer, because if you're not, I'm not talking to you).

Let me just educate you on why your line of thinking is more akin to Pol Pot than those of MY great Khmer ancestors, the ones who built one of the greatest empires the world has even seen.

Pol Pot, like the pro-Western Khmer leaders, received his education in the West (France). He tried to incorporate bits and pieces of Communist thought (Western product) to create an agrarian utopia.

The Khmer Rouge regime was created through the introduction of foreign FILTH into the Khmer society. It was not derived from Khmer culture and history.

Therefore, we red-blooded Khmers cannot allow Western FILTH to degrade and dishonor our culture and achievement.

We don't need another Pol Pot. So keep this Western FILTH away from my country. I demand!

- Khmer Patriot, Ph.D.

Anonymous said...

I think those who have close minds must open up. We must think outside the box. I agree to their disagreement but I also appreciate diversity and democracy. Only time will convince those who oppose. If we can appreciate each other differences I think it would not be a problem about this arts. I've seen a lot worst pictures print in Cambodian newspapers and magazines, which I am very much offended by and surprised that the ministry of culture allowed to print, in addition to the advertising announcement about some ugly sounding diseases in Cambodian radios...Yuk. I think the latter might be in the more urgent need.

Anonymous said...

To all of you overseas Khmers who consider this Western FILTH "art"-

If you think this is "art", then hang on your all. Masturbate to it or whatever.

Just don't tell us true Khmers that we should see it as art. We will not kow-tow to your imperialist, condescending demands.

We value our culture and traditions. Excuse us for not degrading and cheapening our culture like you do.

One for one last time, keep your Western filth out our my country!!!

Anonymous said...

5:18 AM -

Which part of "democracy" don't you understand?

Democracy means rule by the people, and the people of Cambodia have spoken:

KEEP THIS WESTERN FILTH OUT OF OUR COUNTRY!!!

Now, is that so hard to understand?

- Khmer Patriot, Ph.D.

Anonymous said...

Correction - I meant 5:17 AM

....and other fascist pigs who insist on pushing this Western filth down the throats of the Khmer people.

- Khmer Patriot, Ph.D.

Anonymous said...

Dear HE Ing Kantha Phavi,
Have you counted how many naked child prostitutes and young women in Cambodia nowaday?

France current President wife naked painting was sold for the proceed to benfit Cambodia needy.

Real problems facing Khmer culture are too many outsiders in government and all of them talked the talks but not walked the walks starting with HE ministry...

Anonymous said...

5:30am,

I think I should control your development, so you can be as limit as I wanted you to be... Is that fair? Oh one last note, you are not the voice for us. Have some truth to your claims...

Anonymous said...

Screw them so-called Ph.D from Hanoi. They are all commies Viet slave pretending to care about Khmer.

Go back to Hanoi, all of you pretenders, fake Ph.D and leave Khmer people alone!

Anonymous said...

ទៅងាប់នៅ ហាណូយ ទៅពួកអាចុយម្រ៉ាយ Ph.D ពីហាណូយ!!!

Anonymous said...

Ma petite voix a Ing Phavi: vas-y a l'enfer, salope!

Anonymous said...

Khmer Patriot,PHD,
This is twenty first Century ,your PHD must received from the 79th_ so I want to tell you please update your PHD, your blood stream are running to slow your mindset and your vision are blurry you can't even catch up with the world why your neighbors Thai and youn step all over you head like they step on the mud , your leader and your self are suck and blind do not learn how to accept some thing new and advance,Cambodia now and future the narrow minded ,selfishness like your self do not understand the sky are wide and open and you do not appreciate with the fine art that Reahu created you are suck and fucked also Cambodia will not go no where beside go back to the stone age once again or you are the cave man go and grow the potatoes and raise pigs in your farm instead of self proclaimed PHD on the net but the realities you do not know anything from the face to the arse .
Go and get a life Mr. home made PHD or keep your PHD 's certificate to wipe your ass ,because you stink at this minute.

Pure khmer USA

Anonymous said...

Reahu's drawings are artistic masterpieces. Artists don't need to draw real things. their drawings come out of their imaginations. I don't believe that Reahu's drawings are linked to rapes in Cambodia. Many people in Cambodia, especially the low-life rapists, don't have internet access and rapes in Cambodia occurred ways long before Reahu's drawings came into existence. I believe that minister of women's affairs Ing Kanthaphavi should be more worried about illegal brothels in Cambodia than Reahu's drawings. Great job Reahu.

Anonymous said...

Khmer Patriot, PhD,

shut the fxxx up, ah pleur Lord Shit = Chau Chakra

This is the problem when you do your PhD online from Svay Pak International University.

Anonymous said...

Madam Kantha Phavi is jealous of the apsara image of reahu, coz the minister herslef is ugly. Hardly gets her ration from her old man these days. She is so horny but can't get it. This is the real issue, Minister. Go and e,liminate all the child prostitution, will ya ? Or ypou have no right to open your mouth.

Anonymous said...

To Khmer Phd,

I think you're still a child whose intelligence lacked of wisdom and knowledge. You still have along way to go my child in life to see what reality really is in a Democratic society. As human we are borned with a Natural Rights and these rights are given to us by our Supreme Beings and no one will ever take that away from us.

Do you mean to tell me that you need someone at all time to tell you how to live your life and control of all your decisions making? Well, if you are, thats not for me. I live my life to the fullest and I allow no one to tell me what I can do or cannot do. I am me. Thus this Reahu thing is about a personal expression and Reahu happened to exercise his rights to create what seem to offended you and other filks, however, if his rights are being retaliated, so where is the freedom of expression in Cambodia? In addition, Reahu is residing somewhere outside of Cambodia, thus it did not matter one bit. This is basically a displaying of his talents and creativities. Now, if you were to live in Cambodia or Vietnam, then it might have been a different issue. But even so, Cambodia is a democratic society as well, or are you saying that Cambodia's democracy only exist on the surface while underneath the surface it is in fact a Communist State? I thought you spoke of democracy or even have the audacity to ask do we really understand what democracy really is? Look in the mirror and ask yourself that question...Do you really understand what democracy is and if you do you should respect his personal expression. Furthermore, if you dont like what Reahu is doing to the arts, then you have a choice to dispose or give them away to those who are greatful for his creativities.

You have a Phd now think about it. I dont have to recite the term Democratic Society Values to you not to metion the definition of Rule of Law.

I thank you.


ST

Anonymous said...

HE Ing Kantha is mixing up her personal belief and tradition with a person in charge of a country. Big time! She needs to get out of that mode. Yes, Cambodia is full of a very very conservative people when it comes to culture and tradition, but She is running a democratic and freedom state! She has to knock the door! Hello!

Anonymous said...

My brother 7:23 PM,

Have you visited Angkor Wat before? Have you ever seen any Apsaras sitting on the floor? Any Apsara showing half body down nake? Please come to visit Siem Reap Again.

Anonymous said...

Without the apsaras or hanuman figures, this is nothing more than Japanese manga mixed with American playboy poses. and Reahu calls that art! well some of us are easily pleased.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, the one who haven't got laid for years will be pleased by those stupid arts.

Anonymous said...

I notice there's a bunch of hater's who is unable to or not smart enough to escape the killing field and decided to lash out their anger's on us. I guess, I'll be piss off too because the current government is no different. Want some donut? LOL

Anonymous said...

9:57,
These Khmer-Luongthik, like to be told what to do, when to do, limited Internet access and a restricted rights of freedom. A slave waiting for us... westerner's to rescue them.

Anonymous said...

What I notice from all the negative comments from people on here, is that all the see is a sex object. Very narrow minded. For someone who appreciate art, they see further than that instant. They see beauty! Do you know the difinition of BEAUTY? Just read all of the negative comments and you'll see that all they notice is a sex object. Very Disrespectful for you to think that. Apsara has always been naked. As live DANCER. Of course that was changed as society changed. Reahu is art is just a remake of arts of Beautiful Apsara women off the temple walls. Remember, our beautiful Khmer People. He just chose the apsara to paint.

Anonymous said...

The only thing that's wrong with Reahu's art is the moron who can't control themself after viewing it. If you can't appreciate other's artistic talent then hit the On/Off button on your computer and call it a day.
As we all know, Cambodia is still a communist regime. Thus exposing such nudity will alarm the primative who is still in captivity. Poor Reahu for bringing Apsara to life. I wonder what happen if Reahu begin's to fill in the color of Apsara on the wall of Ankor Wat?
Do it...... Reahu, give 'em a taste of Western medicine.

Anonymous said...

Looking at those pictures by Reahu is 100x better than seeing that ugly bloated pig-faced wife of ah samdech maha pleur hun xen called BUN RANY.
damn, everytime i see her, it makes me wanna puke. No wonder ah sen cheats on her.

Anonymous said...

Art is Art. If u can't be open minded about it, then u got a real problem. It's just a painting. So fucken what? A rapist and molestor will do what he does even if he's watching a cartoon network. So chill out!

Anonymous said...

Nope, A rapist will fill the need of meeh naked sompheugn in the cartoon or picture.

Anonymous said...

Leave Reahu alone, he will one day apply his art expertise by painting naked photos of his mother to show the world about his talent and skill, we just wait and see, we are open-mind to see the naked pictures of Reahu's mother on the web. I support your expertise 100%, Reahu, go ahead with my suggestion.

Anonymous said...

To all of you who criticized me-

Look, I speak for the 15 million Khmer people who have not abandoned our country.

As far as I am concerned, if you do not live in Cambodia and tied to the fate of our country, you have no right to dictate what's good or what bad for those of us whose futures and whose children's futures are at stake.

Stop playing games with our lives. That's what your white masters had done to destroy our country. I see you're learning fast from your racist Nazi masters.

So, shut the fuck up, because you have no right to speak on our behalf. Your allegiance is with the white imperialists, not with the poor people of Cambodia who are just trying to survive.

Again, I speak for the Khmer people of Cambodia and I say,

KEEP YOUR WESTERN FILTH OUT OF MY COUNTRY!!!

- Khmer Patriot, Ph.D.

Anonymous said...

Ph.D. from Cambodia = toilet paper

Sorry, it's the truth. I don't wanna be mean but it ain't worth shit.

7:40PM, you hate western filth so much, that's why you love American $$$$$ so much huh?

Anonymous said...

I think people who criticize Reahu never read books or spent money to buy paintings, although they have villa and Dollars....They have money but don't have brain, or have pork brain.

They don't understand what art is.

What are there doing? Gambling at home or at the casino, Cock fighting......Ask Nguon Ngel, Sok An and others MP and Ministers....

Anonymous said...

Hey Mr. PHD my Ass,
I am not surprised if you are one of those HUN SEN government officials, because that the typical incompetent and narrowed mindset reactions we have seen... your manifesto speaks a lot of your stupidity and creditability. You are no difference from your other colleagues or comrades. It shows you are a communist in the box attitude. There is no creativity and imagination of arts in you and they somehow think you should be the minister of arts.

Anonymous said...

from 9:20am.HE Ing Kantha has to break the door open!!!

Anonymous said...

I say YOU, ah Khmer lop sathek krau srok--

Do you know what "DEMOcracy" means?

"DEMO" means people and "DEMOcracy" means "rule of the PEOPLE".

Have they not taught this at your fine Western schools, or do they only teach you to make doughnuts?

The PEOPLE of Cambodia have spoken. We the PEOPLE demand that you keep this Western filth out of our country!

The PEOPLE of Cambodia find such filth degrading to our women and our culture.

Are you not clear about the wishes of the PEOPLE of Cambodia, or are you just incredibly dumb?

For the sake DEMOcracy and the Khmer PEOPLE, stop trying to force this filth upon us. We the PEOPLE abhor your intimidations.

- Khmer Patriot, Ph.D.

Anonymous said...

Khmer Rouge Patriot, Ph.(lil'Dick),
Who the fuck make you the captain of this ship?Speaking for the 15 million? I don't think so.... buddy!You think you can represent 15 million people because you've earned a unrecognizable Ph.D? Like everything else in this world,...... you have to achieve it in order to earn it. Where did you get your's from......Ebay?
The terms "abandoned" that you use to describe us..... that's just plain stupidity and ignorance. Let's just say for the sake of this discussion's that we did abandoned this
atrocity. Why haven't you? Or perhaps, your parent is amongst the highest ranking (Ongkha) that started this utopia. Now that you've made it through the Killing Field, one can only wondered why the Khmer Rouge let you and your family live. hmmmmm! The result of your dumb ass
surviving till this day is because the Khmer rouge killed all the smart one.
You have no knowledge and means to escape... therefore, take your frustrations on other's who is now enjoy the fruits of freedom.

Anonymous said...

OMG. My Combo Bros. and Sis. Reahu is just an artist in the 21 century. He live in the US just like you and me. Why make a big deal out of the top nude apsara. In Angkor watt wall apsara is top naked. And those apsara are the royal dancer. After finish the dance she have to sleep with the king or his servant anway. You guys are such an old Tum Teav mother fucker don't event know what is life all about. Go Reahu!!! It's just an art. We're the next Khmer generation support you all the way. Fuck the old fools. :=)

Anonymous said...

Is it painting or computer graphics? I do not oppose pictures of naked people, but this guy should have left Apsara alone. WTF? He is no idealist, the guy just wants to use a national heritage piece to sell his playboy type arts.

And for those who keeps on ignorantly comparing Apsara sculptures or Roman statues to his works, you are comparing apples to oranges. He is a computer artist of the 21st century, hello? He got the provocative poses from the likes of Penthouse/Playboy/Sports Illustrated Swim Suits, not the natural poses of Apsara. I don't care if he did not include Apsara style to his pictures. I truly believe he is after a buck, not to promote Khmer culture or any abstract ideas.

Anonymous said...

If this Reahu guy is truly promoting Khmer culture and working "to move Khmers into the 21st century," he should donate half of his proceeds from using Apsara to help the orphanages or any organization that works to protect women and young girls, or to the Cambodian school of fine arts and national museum. Otherwise, it is all just BS.

Anonymous said...

To all these idiotic fools who said "pure Khmers," "Angkorian blood" etc., take a good god damn look at at your own "pure" Khmer girlfriend, wife, sister, or mother, do they look any thing like these pictures??? Do they have the body, the jawline, and do they usually pose like these that came out of Reahu's head?

I mean Khmer, Chinese whatever women, they look beautiful in their own individual ways, you don't need to photoshop/chop you wife or girlfriend to a body of somone she is not, someone like a porn or playboy models. You are degrading your own kind, actually, by doing what Reahu did.

Anonymous said...

Reahu,while you are at it, do a really naughty Lady of Liberty! Exercise your god-given right you found in the US! Or, maybe you are not courageous enough to advance the culture of your adopted land?

Anonymous said...

Sadly enough, this Viet troller posing as Ph.D from Hanoi seems to enjoy his multiple personalities and identities bouncing back and forth between a one-liner anonymous and Patriot Ph.D bragging and boasting his writing skills...ROFL!

So just as we all may have guessed, this so-called Ph.D from Hanoi has been here on KI-Media for as long time now...

Come again Mr. Viet troller, Ph.D from Hanoi...when did you have time to go to school huh??? Damn phony Viet troller!!!

Anonymous said...

ហេ អាចុយម្រ៉ាយ ដុកទ័រ ពីហាណូយ អាឯង កើត​ AIDS ជិតងាប់ហើយ នៅតែធ្វើ ខ្ញុំកញ្ជះបាតជើង ពពួកអាយួនកន្តបទៀត?
ហេតុអី ប្រាប់អញបានទេ អាចុយម្រ៉ាយ?

I know you have khmer unicode on your machine and capable of reading it although not that proficient...

Anonymous said...

Reahu don't give a shit to the jealousy head,if they wanted to drag you down just tell them kiss my Cambodian ass that all U can do.
Hun Sen has his right to sale Cambodia or Sihaknuk and Norannorit does Reahu just to preserve our Apsara
in to modern art wy not? There nothing wrong with it.
Reahu go Reahu go you are still the best for me

Anonymous said...

he never gives a shit from the beginning, and that is the point, dumb head.

Anonymous said...

Khmer Patriot, Ph.D

DON'T talk on behalf of khmer in Cambodia. I did not authorized or endorsed you to speak on my behalf and others if you realy understand DEMOCRACY...

Anonymous said...

I was pro for the Apsara painting as the work of arts and I still do... but I changed my mind after I reading 8:31's comment. I do believe painting of naked person can be the work of art but not for religious or national symbols, i.e. Buddha, Jesus, Apsara ect... These are very touchy subject to be used for anything.

For the sake of national interest I think Reahu should tone it down or take anything Apsara out altogether.

Anonymous said...

11.04 pm,

why don't you tell khmer govt to clean up prostitution ? start respecting khmer people, stop abusing its own people.

if you redpect ur own people this is normal, no foreigner will.

reahu, go on expressing ur art.

Anonymous said...

Khmer PhD, patriot,

You are so desperate in antingtio be seen an an inteelctual, and never seem to be happy with lao Mong hay, who you know is much better than you in intelect.

I feel sorry for an overnight-turnred intellectual like you.

U tru so hard to draw lao Mong hay into ur weak minded debate, but so far you have failed so bad. The proper Dr has refused to engage with a raw intellctual.

Go learn some from DR Lao Mong hay and DR Abdul Gafar Peang Meth.

I've never seen an intellectual begging people to call himself and respect him as " intellectual". Must be so desperate, more than craving for sex.