Design Brief

The main unit of these posters is the ornament called Kbach. The traditional Khmer Cambodian ornaments hold a rich history deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Cambodia, reflecting its ancient civilizations, religious beliefs, and artistic traditions. These ornaments, often intricate and symbolic, serve not just as decorative elements but also as carriers of cultural significance and identity.

Kbach

Overview

In Khmer (The language of Cambodians), Kbach is a general word for “style,” “technique,” or a set pattern. The word itself comes from a root meaning “to bend/break repeatedly,” hinting at the idea of repeated, rhythmic forms. Due to the Khmer Rouge (also known as the Cambodian Genocide), a lot of the traditional apprentice and master process has been abolished. There are only a few “masters” left behind to teach the proper techniques for these many ornaments. I referenced this book, written and illustrated by Chan Vitharin in order to create my illustrations and systems.

Aesthetic Pairings

Color Palette

Many colors accompany the Cambodian culture; however, the color yellow plays a big part. Gold is essential to Cambodians as the chosen metal for jewelry and other aesthetics. It represents royalty, class, and overall, it suits the natural tan skin of many Cambodians. I made sure to have yellow be included in every single design.

Typography

Kbachs are known to be only made with curved continuous lines. There are only a few exceptions in which a straight line is used. With that in mind, I chose a rounded font to further complement the already rounded ornanment.