Born in 1982 in Cambodia. Khavay Samnang graduated from the Painting Department at the Royal University of Fine Art in Phnom Penh in 2006. One of the most important artists in Cambodia, Samnang spends extensive amounts of time on-site engaging with local communities in his effort to research and gain insight on the profound social issues that Cambodia confronts.
While exploring new perspectives and interpretations of history, he serves to sarcastically, light-heartedly, and humorously present multiple layers of meaning through a variety of means including sculptures that incorporate native materials, installations, video art, as well as performances in which he uses his own body.

Samnang is highly recognized for his international activities as an artist, presenting solo exhibitions in venues such as the Jeu de Paume (Paris, France 2015), CAPC Musée d’art contemporain de Bordeaux (France, 2015), and Haus der Kunst, Munich (Germany, 2018), and taking part in numerous international group exhibitions including his participation in the 2017 and 2022 Documenta (as a member of Sa Sa Art Projects).