EXHIBITION #02

Brainwash

“The new rulers of Cambodia call 1975 ‘Year Zero’, the dawn of an age in which there will be no families, no sentiment, no expressions of love or grief, no medicines, no hospitals, no schools, no books, no learning, no holidays, no music, no song, no post, no money – only work and death.”
- John Pilger, Australian-born British Journalist
 
  • SOFTWARE
  •   RHINOCEROS 3D  
  •   V-RAY  
  •   PHOTOSHOP  
SOFTWARE
  •   RHINOCEROS 3D  
  •   V-RAY  
  •   PHOTOSHOP  
 

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

ERADICATION OF THE SELF > >

In their agenda to return Cambodia to an agrarian state that was untainted by western capitalist ideas, the Khmer Rouge destroyed all culture and tradition in their society. Children were taken away from parents and placed in labor camps where they were taught that the state was their true family. Education was seen as a threat to the new regime so all schools and hospitals were shut down. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, and anyone suspected of having received an education were systemically rooted out and murdered. All history was erased and replaced with a new revolutionary culture. They called it Year Zero.

YEAR 1975 / YEAR ZERO < <

 

WALL GRAPHIC 01 - ANATOMY OF A NIGHTMARE

WALL GRAPHIC 02 - POL POT REVOLUTION

 

DESIGN

As Khmer Rouge power grows, the exhibition begins to reflect a starker color palette. The materials transition to capture the overwhelming coldness and harsh qualities of the communist rule.
 

After traversing The Exodus room with its lofty ceilings, the exhibit suddenly contracts in size, emphasizing the oppression of the Cambodian people. Upon entering the room, one’s eye immediately catches sight of two Khmer Rouge soldiers and the ominous gaze of Pol Pot, the leader of the new regime.

A large anatomical heart printed upon the opening wall annotates the communist beliefs forced upon the population. The concrete emanates an unyielding and harsh quality. Etched upon their bleak surfaces are the words of the new power - chants to brainwash a whole civilization into obedience.

 

Display wall of banned items.
If anyone is found with these possessions, they are immediately executed.
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Often people were condemned simply for wearing glasses or knowing a foreign language. In order to survive, many had to lie about their pasts. However, there was always the risk that a former neighbor would recognize them and turn them in.
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WALL GRAPHIC 03 - RE-EDUCATION

 

Revolutionary chants swirl, etched into the floor and wall of the tunnel itself, as one walks the dimly lit path. The words are unwavering, bearing down on each person. There is no escaping the new religion of Angka.
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The Khmer Rouge have a stronghold on the country and quickly isolate it from the rest of the world. Other countries remain in the dark as to the tragedies going on in Cambodia. But oppression can never overcome the pure instinct for survival. Slowly stories leak out as a few individuals escape. The world is alerted to the horrors and is called to action.
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