Phnom Penh Artist Billy Explores the Nature of Women Through Surreal Realism

Phnom Penh Artist Billy Explores the Nature of Women Through Surreal Realism

Phnom Penh-based artist Billy is capturing the quiet strength and beauty of women through a series of drawings that blend realism, surrealism, and abstraction. His latest exhibition, Nature of Women, currently on display at Meta House, explores the emotional and symbolic layers of femininity.

Each drawing begins with a feeling. Using real models and props, Billy constructs scenes that move between dream and reality. His women appear both delicate and powerful, revealing emotion through subtle gestures and details. The softness of pastel and colored pencils gives his work an intimate quality, inviting viewers to look closer and connect with the emotion behind each portrait.

Billy is a self-taught artist who began drawing during high school, taking commissions to develop his craft. Since 2018, he has focused on pencil art, refining his ability to mix realism with imaginative, surreal elements. His subjects often include women and animals, especially cats, representing emotion, vulnerability, and curiosity. While he occasionally experiments with paint, he considers drawing his most natural form of expression.

Billy has previously exhibited his works at Meta House in April 2025 and at Connexion-Komnu Lounge in September 2025. His current exhibition at Meta House in October 2025 continues to showcase his signature style, blending technical detail with emotional depth.