Cambodian artist Pen Robit’s work constantly bounces between figuration and abstraction. In the unpredictability of his style and subjects, he shows a willingness to explore and expand his understanding of reality through his artistic practice.

“I paint to discover the world, history, and reality through colour,” he tells me from his home studio in Phnom Penh. “I don’t care if what I’m doing is seen as contemporary art or not – my approach to painting is very classical, and I constantly look for a way to connect with the history of art.”

The artist has currently a solo show titled The Ontology of Form and Colour in the art space of the hotel Rosewood Phnom Penh. It runs from February 1 to April 30 2022 and features abstract works inspired by the krama, the traditional Khmer checkered garment.