French-Cambodian artist FONKi on his Maldives inspiration

"I think I didn't choose to become an artist. I've always been creative — my oldest memory was drawing with one pen, then taking ten and realising you can create patterns of colour. I was always drawing on walls until people started labelling me as an artist."

FONKi's style reflects his evolving influences, from comic books in his youth to graffiti masters Scaner and ZEK, eventually drawing inspiration from Renaissance giants like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. As he puts it, "As an artist, you're meant to evolve."

Growing up in an Asian family, part of the Cambodian diaspora that fled the country during the Khmer Rouge's reign of terror in the 1970s, and within the culturally diverse landscape of Montreal, FONKi found his true identity through hip-hop culture — breakdancing, graffiti and rap. Having been taught to be citizens of the world altogether as a family, this resonated deeply. "When we gathered for jams and cyphers, we weren't talking about where you're from; it was about the culture of these art forms."

This multicultural foundation shaped his artistic philosophy. "It's a buffet of different tastes that forged my character. I don't label myself as an Asian artist — I identify with hip-hop culture."

FONKi's artistic evolution took a profound turn when he began exploring 10th and 12th-century Cambodian statues. "I choose statues as my way to know culture," he explains. "At first it's visual — the statue is beautiful, I love the details and colours. Then I research the story, what it represented."

This approach combines visual artistry with cultural journalism, creating connections to ancient civilisations whilst exploring their contemporary relevance.

"I never thought of going to the Maldives — it's such a paradise," FONKi reflects. However, his research revealed unexpected cultural treasures, including a 10th-century Buddha statue made of coral stones. This discovery exemplifies his philosophy: "I don't do too much research beforehand because the real research happens in the field, talking to people and fully experiencing the place."

During his week-long Maldives artist residency, guests witnessed FONKi's creative process firsthand. They collaborated with him on limited-edition prints 'Behind The Smile' and 'King Creator' from his 2019 triptych series based on King Jayavarman VII, whose serene face adorns Bayon Temple in Angkor. Guests embellished these prints with personal touches and took home their unique limited editions.

His masterpiece 'Enlightenment', displayed until 31 December alongside other artworks, represents this philosophy perfectly. Full proceeds from the sale of 'Enlightenment' will benefit the Granny Programme of the Cambodia Children's Fund (CCF), a non-profit organisation providing education, safe housing and care to vulnerable communities.

This charitable focus continues his previous project, 'Apsara Grannies', where he collaborated with photographer Raphaël Pech and fellow artist TONES, creating a mural of grannies in traditional Apsara attire — commissioned by the Royal Government of Cambodia.

Following his transformative Maldives experience, FONKi returns to Montreal for his twenty-year celebration. "I haven't painted for myself for five years until I came to the Maldives. Now I can travel with it to museums and gallery shows around the world. The Maldives reignited my personal creative practice."

FONKi's artist residency in the Maldives represents more than just a creative retreat — it's a testament to how travel and cultural exchange continue to fuel artistic innovation. His discovery of ancient coral Buddha statues and immersion in Maldivian culture has clearly reinvigorated his artistic practice, proving that sometimes the most unexpected destinations offer the richest creative rewards.