 Sitha Chum, c.1983 |
David Chum is the son of Sarath and Sitha Chum. They are Cambodian refugees who escaped the persecution and killing of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. They were forced to hide their identities as educated members of society, endured years in prison camps, and watched as their family members and friends were beaten, tortured, and killed. Eventually, Sitha became pregnant. After weeks of fleeing through the jungles and terrain of Cambodia, littered with the dead bodies of men, women, and children, they made it across the border into Thailand. They were eventually sent to the Philippines where David was born on April 13, 1982 in a refugee camp in Merong Battaan. He was named "Sovanmony" (so-von-ma-knee) which means: "golden glass." | |
About a month after his birth, Mr.Chum's parents immigrated to the United States.They eventually settled in Fall River, Massachusetts. Drawn to the New England region's rich academic history, they wanted nothing more than good educations and security for their child and future children.
Around the age of one, Mr. Chum's parents started calling him "David," because it was easier for Americans to pronounce. This is the name he has kept. He has tried going by "Sovanmony," but "David" has been built into his psyche. At an extremely early age, David showed a talent for drawing. He went on to study fine arts at the Art Institute of Boston in 2000 on a few scholarships, as well as a Merit Scholarship from the school itself. He received an award for "Best of Department: Fine Arts" during the school's annual juried portfolio scholarship competitions, was included in a juried self-portrait exhibiton, as well as the Northeast Printmaker's Biennial Exhibition in 2003. He received his B.F.A. in 2004. David currently lives and works in the greater Boston area with his partner, Jonathan T. Knox. He has shown in commercial, alternative, and on-line galleries locally and internationally. His work is included in collections across the country. |
© David Chum, 1999-2006. All rights reserved.
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