From a young age, Sou Sophy harbored a dream of becoming an apsara dancer. That was until the age of 16 when she signed up for a drawing class at Phare Ponleu Selpak in her home province of Battambang - and fell in love with art.

“Becoming an artist has been a heartfelt desire since I was young. When I was at school, my teachers always talked to me about famous artists. When I consider the most famous artists who have made great achievements in the field of art, I immediately think of my teachers, Srey Bandol, Tor Vutha, Lon Lor, and Khchao Touch,” Sophy stated in her artist statement.

“I want to become like them. They have been able to create innovative artworks and explore new techniques, narrating stories to the public through painting, pencil sketching, sculpture, and photography, or using traditional painting techniques.”

Artist Sou Sophy's latest exhibition 'The Trap of Life' can be seen at Meta House. Kiripost/Marissa Carruthers

Since Sophy first started experimenting with art, she has built a strong reputation as a solo artist who uses her work to strongly advocate for environmental issues – a theme that is evident in her latest exhibition, ‘The Trap of Life’.

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‘The Trap of Life’ is a thought-provoking exhibit of art that throws the spotlight on the impact humans have on the environment, ranging from contributing to climate change, deforestation, and illegal wildlife trafficking, to destroying the environment, ecosystems, and nature.

In the exhibition, Sophy uses recycled paper to create animal images using alto-relievo sculpture, or high-relief sculpture to add depth and reality to her works. The result is an impactful collection of 24 pieces that range from a buffalo entangled in a net, entitled ‘Death Trap’, to snakes hovering over a bird’s nest waiting to pounce, called ‘Deadly Scam’.

Sou Sophy's work centers in environmental and conservation issues. Kiripost/Marissa Carruthers

After graduating from Phare with honors in 2010, Sophy went on to teach art at Phare while also practicing her skills. Since then, her work has been featured in 22 group exhibitions, with her first solo exhibition ‘Weeds’ shown at Phnom Penh’s Sa Sa Art in 2010.

She has also captivated audiences across the globe, with her artwork exhibited in Thailand’s Chiang Mai and in an exhibition in France, organized by the University of Paris VIII. Her talents extend beyond exhibiting art. She is also a published author, illustrator, and designer of children’s books, and harbors a dream to one day open a drawing school to nurture the talents of budding young artists.

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Sou Sophy's latest exhibition 'The Trap of Life' explores the human impact on the environment. Kiripost/Marissa Carruthers

‘The Trap of Life’ can be seen at Meta House, Phnom Penh until June 25.

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