Vann Nath is one of only seven survivors from the 14,000 men, women and children who were sent to the infamous Khmer Rouge S-21 (Tuol Sleng) interrogation and torture center in Phnom Penh between 1976 and 1979. Only three are still alive today. Together, the 26 sketches and paintings in this collection tell the remarkable story and horrific experience of Cambodian artist Vann Nath between December 30, 1977 and January 7, 1979. All of them, except one, first appeared together in a 2007 exhibit entitled Transfer at the Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Bophana generously provided the computer files that were used to make the fine art reproductions and captions in this collection. Vann Nath’s paintings tell the story of his own suffering and survival. But they are also symbolic of Cambodia’s suffering and survival, and they are a testament to his own and Cambodia’s endurance that enables them to prevail over tragedy and pain and continue to embrace life. The paintings and sketches in this collection are of profound historical significance. The scenes depicted are based on the actual experience of the artist. They illustrate one of the darkest chapters in recent human history. But they also provide a stark warning of the human rights abuses that can, and do, occur in contemporary societies when imperfect people act in secret without checks, or when good people watch terrible things happening and do nothing.

This collection is being issued in a limited series of 79 numbered and signed copies, 79 being symbolic of the year Vann Nath escaped imprisonment and almost certain death and the year that Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh was liberated from the Khmer Rouge. 
Each painting or sketch reproduction in each collection is numbered and signed so that each individual print retains its authenticity and
value outside of the collection. This collection was produced by friends of Vann Nath who gladly donated their time and energy without pay. All of the profits from the sale of this collection go to the artist to help alleviate his medical expenses due to kidney disease. The copyrights for any and all parts of the works in this collection are the property of the artist Vann Nath and no parts may be reproduced
in any form without his expressed permission. His personal story can be read here

One set of 26 limited edition prints made with special pigment ink and acid free fine art paper, 30 x 42cm/33 x 48 cm, costs US$ 1,300.