The Apsara Grannies exhibition will open Oct 12, at the National Museum of Cambodia. - CCF
PHNOM PENH: Eight of the kingdom’s most beloved women — who became unlikely stars in a photoshoot last year — are once again demonstrating their cultural pride and timeless beauty by donning the traditional silk costumes and glittering headdresses of Apsara dancers, symbols long associated with youth and divine grace.
The Apsara Grannies Exhibition, opening Oct 12 at the National Museum of Cambodia, celebrates the spirit and resilience of eight grandmothers from the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) Granny Programme.
The month-long exhibition, running until Nov 8, blends art and humanity through powerful photography and paintings that pay tribute to Cambodia’s matriarchs — women who have endured war, loss and hardship, yet continue to inspire younger generations.
Organised by CCF, in collaboration with the creative collective Feel the Warmth, the exhibition builds on the success of the Apsara Granny project — an initiative by photographers Ken Bo, Hao Taing and Raphael Pech.
The Apsara Grannies and young artists from CCF have bridged the generations with their latest collaboration. - Supplied
“It originally began as a creative experiment, allowing elderly women to reconnect with their heritage by wearing the elaborate attire of Apsara dancers, traditionally worn by younger women in performances and ceremonies,” according to the CCF.
“What began with just two participants soon grew into a movement,” it explained.
The “Apsara Grannies” became cultural icons, reminding Cambodians that beauty and grace transcend age.
This year’s expanded edition, Apsara Granny 2.0, features six more grandmothers, all showcased together in the National Museum’s halls.
“I am so proud to be an Apsara Granny. At my age, I never imagined I would be dressed as an Apsara and celebrated in this way,” said Granny Mao, aged 105 — the oldest of the group and a survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime who once scavenged at the Steung Meanchey rubbish dump.
“It makes me so happy to be seen and to share this with the younger generation,” she said.
The exhibition’s portraits capture not only elegance but also endurance. Every wrinkle, every line tells a story of survival and love.
The exhibition at the National Museum of Cambodia will run through November 8. CCF
The eldest of the Apsara Grannies is 105. At 61, Granny Vanny is the ‘spring chicken’ of the group. CCF
At 61, Granny Vanny, the youngest of the Apsara Grannies, is raising her grandson alone, with CCF’s support.
“I am so excited to be part of this and show that women can be strong and beautiful at any age,” she said.
Beyond the artistry, the exhibition underscores a deeper message — honouring the invaluable role of Cambodia’s elderly women in shaping families and communities.
“Many entered our Granny Programme after years of neglect or homelessness,” said Lach Savy, Global Chief Operating Officer at CCF.
“With CCF’s support, they have flourished, reclaiming purpose and becoming pillars of their neighbourhoods — caring for children, sharing wisdom and modelling community values. We hope people will come to the exhibition to celebrate these incredible matriarchs and the power of art to tell stories,” he added.
The exhibition also features paintings by young female CCF students, bridging generations through creative expression.
Meyhour, 21, who led the painting project, explained the deep inspiration she felt.
“When I painted the Apsara Grannies, I wanted to show not only their beauty but also their strength. As a young person, I feel honoured to learn from them and carry their stories into the future,” she said.
The exhibition at the National Museum of Cambodia will run through Nov 8. CCF
Visitors will have a chance to meet some of the Apsara Grannies in person during the exhibition, offering a rare and emotional intergenerational exchange.
Proceeds from artwork and limited-edition prints will go toward supporting CCF’s Granny Program, which provides housing, healthcare, food and community support to vulnerable elderly women in Phnom Penh.
The National Museum of Cambodia provides a fitting setting for this tribute — a space where living heritage meets timeless artistry.
Through the lens of compassion and culture, the Apsara Grannies Exhibition redefines what it means to age with dignity and pride, reminding all generations that Cambodia’s beauty is not only in its youth but also in the wisdom and grace of its elders. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
