Artwork# 2 “Bridging the Divide: From Shadows to Light”
By Sry Hengleap
This artwork highlights the deep educational challenges faced by minority girls in Ratanakiri province, Cambodia. The painting is divided into two contrasting sides:
- The Left Side (Dark Side) represents the barriers: harmful social norms, early marriage, long distances to school, discrimination, lack of family support, poor infrastructure, and few job opportunities. These struggles are symbolized by people with heavy colored stones holding them back.
- The Right Side (Bright Side) shows hope and solutions: education being valued, equal opportunities, family and community support, inspiring role models, and access to funding. Here, the same figures are shown with lights in front of them, symbolizing newfound direction and purpose.
The artwork urges us to shift from darkness to light through collective support and opportunity—especially in education for minority girls. It’s a call to give them a chance today so they can have brighter futures tomorrow.