Street 178, the Art Street

Shot from within Darya’s Gallery who was so kind to let me photograph her paintings

There’s always a reason why we travel to a certain country. Sometimes it’s because we’ve met people from there, friends who emigrated or travelled to us, and in subtle ways, made us curious about their home. Other times, it can start with something much simpler. A single image, even a painting, can be enough. So, if you’ve ever been in a Cambodian household, whether in Cambodia or abroad, you’ve probably seen it: an oil painting of Angkor Wat, the recognizable Sampov Meas pagoda on a limestone karst, or a quiet countryside scene with a cow grazing beneath a row of palm trees. It’s a very recognizable style. I’m not entirely sure where it originated, but it has a distinct visual language, somewhere close to impressionism, with vibrant colors and soft, almost nostalgic compositions. Something is comforting about these paintings, like a shared visual memory of Cambodia.

If you’re interested in finding one, there are several places around Phnom Penh where you can get your hands on them. Markets are an obvious option, but one of the most fitting areas is along Street 178 in Phnom Penh.

The location makes sense. This street is anchored by cultural institutions like the Royal University of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Cambodia, so there’s already a strong artistic presence in the area. It feels like a natural extension of that environment.

Starting from Wat Saravan Techo, you’ll first come across sculptors working with stone and wood. As you continue walking, the street gradually shifts into a cluster of small galleries displaying rows of these iconic oil paintings.

I was kindly allowed by Darya Gallery to show their paintings, as most galleries prefer not to have their art online. So these photos are courtesy of them!