Dom Khun

They killed us, two million of us. In attempts to create a classless society, in just four years, the Khmer Rouge eradicated 25% of the Cambodian population, a great majority being intellectuals and artists. Many citizens fled to America to seek a better life, foiling the aim of the regime by estab- lishing rich pockets of culture throughout the United States.

On a brisk jog around my neighborhood, I noticed the persimmon tree in my late grandmother’s yard had stopped blooming. In death, she had taken not only the vitality of her land, but also the remaining connection I had to our culture. She was the matri- arch of our family, the roots of our tree and I am her seedling, unfurling what it means to survive and persevere.

@dom_khun domkhun.com

Dom Khun

How did you land on photography as your primary medium?

Growing up I always wanted to be an artist. I was never naturally gifted with traditional mediums such as drawing or painting. When I was 13 years old I got my first DSLR and I realized I see this world more clearly through a viewfinder.

What is on your studio playlist? The Marias, Clairo, SZA, Doja Cat, and a mixture of songs from the early 2000s,

How has your view/perspective on art and photography changed due to being in art school? Being a first generation student in art school, I have learned that if you want to have a successful and fulfilling creative career, no one can want it for you more than yourself.