A new art exhibition opening this month in Phnom Penh is placing mental health and trauma recovery at the centre of public discourse. 

Titled “Tracing the Thread of Unconsciousness: Unfolding the Inner Self,” the exhibition by – Cambodian-French artist Adana Mam Legros – will launch on Wednesday, May 21, at Station 350, in collaboration with the Center for Trauma Care and Research Organization (CTRO).

The show draws from Mam Legros’ personal psychoanalysis sessions and explores the Jungian concept of individuation — the process of integrating unconscious and conscious experiences in pursuit of self-understanding. 

Alongside her paintings, the exhibition incorporates textual fragments from these therapy sessions, offering an intimate and vulnerable portrait of psychological unravelling and recovery.

“The event will also feature a series of workshops addressing intergenerational trauma, co-led by CTRO and joined by actor Pen Chomrong and activist Tan Kimsour,” said Mam Legros.

These sessions aim to introduce psychological frameworks and therapeutic tools for healing trauma, particularly among Cambodians still affected by the residual impact of war, displacement and silence across generations.

Mam Legros has been collaborating with several professionals and organisations to address environmental and social issues. Supplied

Artist Seeks to Heal Through Art

Speaking ahead of the event, Mam Legros said the exhibition was born out of a personal confrontation with trauma and an urgency to break cultural taboos surrounding mental illness in Cambodia.

“I’ve always believed that art can act as a mirror to the subconscious,” she said. “This project began with my own search for healing. I wanted to open up that process to others — to allow them to see what happens when we stop running from pain and begin to integrate it.”

Mam Legros began her journey at 16, when her father introduced her to psychology books, sparking a deep curiosity. 

After surviving cancer at 24, she faced existential questions that led her to psychoanalytic therapy. 

Through years of analysing her artwork, she uncovered hidden aspects of herself, gaining freedom and healing.

Her exhibition, hosted by the Cambodian Ambassador in Paris, inspired her to bring the work to Cambodia. 

The exhibition explores Carl Jung’s concept of individuation — becoming one's true self by integrating the conscious and unconscious mind.

Mam Legros believes that understanding one's existence is key to finding purpose. She sees modern neuroses as stemming from a lack of meaning, often replaced by consumerism. 

She invites the public to engage with tools in the exhibition to begin their own process of individuation, embracing both the light and dark aspects of the self to achieve wholeness.

Mam Legros said her decision to partner with CTRO was driven by a shared belief in community-based mental health education.

“CTRO’s work is rooted in science, compassion, and advocacy. They’re making trauma literacy more accessible in Cambodia. We wanted this exhibition to not only reflect pain but provide tools for navigating it,” she added.

Trauma as a National Legacy

Mam Legros explained that, recognising painting alone might not be the most effective way to convey her message, she decided to use the exhibition as a platform to invite Dr. Ean Nil to speak on the crucial topic of trauma. 

She emphasised that trauma is a deeply rooted issue affecting entire nations and spanning multiple generations. 

“Although science has only recently begun to explore intergenerational trauma, I firmly believe this subject deserves much more attention-especially now, when people are increasingly ready to listen,” she told The Post. 

Mam Legrosacknowledged that discussing trauma is challenging, but she was confident that the younger generation is ready to engage in this complex healing process. 

Unlike previous generations, who may not have been able to fully heal from their wounds, she felt that her generation carries the responsibility to confront and transform these inherited traumas, ultimately tasked with breaking the cycle and fostering healing.

Having worked for over two decades in the field of trauma treatment, she said, Dr. Ean explained to her that trauma must be addressed at both individual and collective levels.

“Unlike our parents and grandparents, who were unable to fully heal from their wounds, we carry the responsibility to confront and transform these inherited traumas. We are the generation tasked with breaking the cycle and fostering healing,” said Mam Legros. 

CTRO will present their educational module “Pathway to Trauma Recovery” during the event, covering key concepts such as trauma stabilisation, intergenerational trauma, and practical self-care techniques.

The organisation will also deploy an “Emotional Support Team” on-site to provide immediate psychological support to attendees who may become overwhelmed during the sessions.

A Collective Journey Toward Healing

The program begins at 5.30pm with an introduction from the artist, followed by a presentation from CTRO.

Mam Legros shared how she has been collaborating with Pen Chomrong and Tan Kimsour on various events addressing environmental and social issues. 

She stressed the importance of their responsibility to contribute positively to the country, especially since they have the platform to do so. 

The upcoming event would be their third or fourth focusing on psychology, following a successful collaboration with CTRO in August 2023, where Venerable monk Kou Sopheap discussed mental health.

"Art is a profoundly powerful tool that we can all use to heal, understand, and move forward," Mam Legros told The Post. 

She described art as a deeply personal relationship with herself, allowing her to express suppressed emotions and what is often difficult to articulate.

"I use art to reflect my inner journey, and I hope it encourages others to open the door to their own inner exploration and healing,” she said. 

On a social level, she pointed out that art brings people together, fostering community and making it easier to discuss difficult topics like trauma and mental health.

In Cambodia, where trauma is deeply interwoven with history, she believes art can play a crucial role in breaking the silence, encouraging dialogue and supporting collective healing, offering a universal language that transcends barriers.

“Healing is not linear, and it’s not solitary,” Mam Legros said. “This exhibition is a space where people can share vulnerability without fear. It’s about making the unconscious conscious, together.”

The exhibition will remain open following the May 21 launch, with details to be announced via Station 350’s platforms. 

Entrance is free to the public. Mental health professionals, students, survivors and the general public are encouraged to attend.