Khmer Musical Kite (Khleang Ek) I

Kite flying has a long tradition in Cambodia. In villages people fly kites as part of a festival at the end of the harvest season between November and January when the wind is strong. The kites are made from bamboo and palm leaves and part of the kite acts like a musical instrument, emitting noise when the wind passes through it. The kites also have long tails that measure about 8-10 meters. The son of a professional kite flyer, Soeung Vannara creates artworks that are at the same time modern paintings and kites. The form of his creations follows the traditional kite shape but where paper would originally be attached to the kite, he affixes Khmer decorative patterns painted on silk instead. The artist holds kite-flying events to rebuild communities.