Cambodian artist Sopheap Pich explores memory and nature in new exhibition at Mia
Sopheap Pich (Cambodian, born 1971). Rang Phnom Flower, 2015. Bamboo, rattan, metal, plywood. On loan from Sopheap Pich Studio. EL2025.32.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN.—
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is presenting “Sopheap Pich: In the Presence Of,” a focused exhibition featuring four key works by the acclaimed Cambodian-born artist, all on loan to Mia.
On view from October 25, 2025, to February 1, 2026, the exhibition offers visitors an intimate glimpse into Pich’s engagement with Cambodian culture, history, and the natural world. The artist is renowned for transforming everyday materials—such as rattan, metal wire, and burlap—into meticulously crafted, delicate sculptures that evoke their subjects without directly replicating them. Pich’s choice of materials reflects both the natural environment of Cambodia and his personal experiences, spanning memories from his childhood to returning to his homeland as an adult. The resulting works subtly invite us to reflect on memory and history.
“Sopheap Pich’s stunning sculptures are meditations on place. Each is also embedded with allusions to the artist’s memories, as well as Cambodia’s history and present,” said Leslie Ureña, Associate Curator of Global Contemporary Art at Mia. “We are thrilled to share these works with the Twin Cities community.”
This exhibition coincides with Mia’s presentation of “Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine,” a landmark exhibition in collaboration with the Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts, France, and the National Museum of Cambodia. While Royal Bronzes highlights Cambodia’s Khmer Empire through monumental bronze sculptures, statues, and ritual objects, Pich’s contemporary works offer a dialogue across time—bridging earlier artistic practices with contemporary explorations of material, memory, and cultural legacy.
“Sopheap Pich’s sculptures resonate deeply with Cambodia’s artistic heritage,” said Katie Luber, Mia’s Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Director & President. “Visitors can experience the enduring spirit of Cambodian creativity in both ancient bronze craftsmanship and Pich’s modern interpretation, revealing how history, culture, and memory continue to inspire artists today.”
