The Torture Cell

Magazine collage, 8.3" x 5.8"

2024

In July 2024, I visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum during a missionary trip and learned about Cambodia's harrowing history. This site, a former secondary school, was used as Security Prison 21 by the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979, where over 20,000 Cambodians were imprisoned and tortured, many of whom were executed. Decades after the fall of the Khmer Rouge, the site remains well-preserved. The brick walls dividing the classrooms into narrow cells and the razor wire surrounding the area still stand. There are even torture devices, photographs of victims, and human skulls on display. The chilling history presented in the museum left me overwhelmed with sorrow, prompting me to explore my feelings through art-making after returning home. In my artwork, I depicted the view of a torture room from a tilted angle. This composition disrupts the natural equilibrium of the image, fostering a sense of instability and disorientation. The square tiles on the floor capture the confined and ordered nature of the room, while the colour progression of the tiles and walls illustrates the room's depth. Moreover, the absence of any objects in the room conveys a profound emptiness and the desolation faced by the victims. A bird flying outside the window starkly contrasts with the prison's bleakness. Overall, I aimed to express the tension inherent in this space. Although I realised that the warm colour tones do not match the atmosphere, the interior of the actual site is predominantly yellowish-brown. I used collage as the medium for this artwork. Collage involves breaking original materials into pieces to create a new image, which aligns with my desire to deconstruct the distress brought on by my visit to the museum and generate new meanings. During the creative process, I came to understand that the origin of my distress is compassion. It’s not necessary for people to experience the same suffering to understand how it feels, while simply imagining oneself as the sufferer can foster empathy. Having witnessed bloodshed during protests in my hometown that advocated for democracy, I am particularly moved by the injustices in the world. This anger serves as a powerful force that drives me to support justice and pay attention to the wars occurring globally. It reminds me not to be egocentric and to remain aware of the misfortunes of others. Additionally, collage is not a familiar art form for me compared to drawing or painting. Without the pressure of perfecting each brushstroke, I could focus more on my feelings and thoughts. I also enjoyed the tactile sensation of tearing magazine paper and sticking the pieces together. The creative process provided a sense of soothing.