A Canvas of Culture: Battambang’s Murals and the S’Art Urban Art Festival
Battambang, Cambodia’s charming riverside city, has long been known for its French colonial architecture and rich artistic heritage. In recent years, however, it has become synonymous with something even more vibrant: a burst of color, creativity, and cultural revival spreading across its walls. This transformation is the result of the S’Art Urban Art Festival, a biennial celebration of street art and expression, initiated in 2018 by Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), a pioneering arts education nonprofit.
Phare Ponleu Selpak—literally “the brightness of the arts”—was founded in the wake of Cambodia’s dark history under the Khmer Rouge, a regime that tragically silenced much of the country’s artistic voice. With a mission to heal and rebuild through the arts, PPS launched the S’Art Festival as a way to empower Cambodian artists, reclaim public spaces, and foster dialogue through visual storytelling.
The festival quickly gained momentum. Held every two years, it invites local and international artists to paint large-scale murals throughout Battambang. These works range from social commentaries to celebrations of local culture—each telling a unique story while contributing to a larger narrative of resilience and rebirth.
The 2019 and 2023 editions of S’Art (it was not held in 2021 due to COVID) brought together a dynamic mix of styles and messages. The streets came alive with murals that reflected both Cambodia’s traditions and its aspirations
- “Hello Battambang” by Lazygraphy offered a cheerful greeting in vivid colors, welcoming visitors and locals alike into a more imaginative cityscape.
- “Tigers” by FONKi, a Cambodian-Canadian street artist, was a standout. Blending graffiti with traditional Khmer elements, his mural celebrated strength, heritage, and pride.
- “Mekong River” by Hard13 highlighted the lifeblood of the region, paying homage to the river that sustains millions.
- “Girls in Blue” by Thai artist Nongpop, depicts a portrait of a studious young girl inspired by pop culture. The blue and orange color scheme is inspired by the logos of the artist’s mural sponsors.
- “ASERK” and “Potato Man” by ASERK used quirky imagery to provoke thought and conversation, showcasing the playful side of street art.
These murals joined a growing constellation of artworks scattered across the city. Some walls became collaborative efforts, with artists working side by side. Others were deeply personal, drawn from the artists’ memories or visions of Cambodia’s future.
More than just an art festival, S’Art is a movement. It has inspired local pride, engaged youth through creative workshops, and brought communities together. The festival has also attracted visitors from across Asia and Europe, boosting Battambang’s profile as a cultural hub.
For many artists, the festival is a platform to reconnect with their roots. For the community, it is a chance to see their stories reflected on the walls they pass every day. For tourists, it offers an unexpected and deeply meaningful visual experience.
As the murals fade with time and the city continues to evolve, the impact of the S’Art Urban Art Festival endures. According to updates on the S’Art Festival website, the next edition is slated for 2025—promising even bolder statements, more intricate designs, and socially inspiring visuals.
As I cycled through the alleyways in search of these murals, I not only photographed them but also created a mural map by uploading the images to Google Maps.
From forgotten walls to powerful canvases, Battambang’s murals are more than just art—they are the voices of a city reclaiming its identity, one brushstroke at a time.
My Strava route to the Battambang Street Art
on Friday, December 6, 2024
