“The Winters where Catfish Sings” is a solo exhibition by Sokthea Chan that introduces a body of work inspired by the natural world, mythological stories, and poetry. The title of the exhibition draws its inspiration from cultural folklore that gives slight humor and sorrow to let the viewers to wonder and question its silly and bizarre name in relation to the work. Sokthea believes as living beings, tiny moments in a person' s day are sometimes lost or forgotten where he hopes to share his works giving perspectives on the significance for individuals’ growth and journey to discovering their identities in the contemporary world. Through the playfulness of automatic drawing, choice of bold colors, ambiguity, patterns, and dense layering of materials in his large-scale works, Sokthea offers the viewer the consciousness of being present, discoveries within their surroundings, and the human experience of daily life.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Sokthea Chan is a Cambodian American artist that resides in Sacramento, California. Since a child, he would find enjoyment through painting and drawing as it led him to becoming an educator to teach and inspire others in the surrounding community. He attended Sacramento State University and earned his Bachelor’s degree in art studio in 2014 followed by his teaching credential in 2016. After teaching for 9 years, Sokthea returned to his studies to work towards his Master of Fine Arts degree at CSUS completed in Spring of 2025. He is now a working artist who strives to challenge what can be seen as art in today's world through uncommon materials and experimental methodologies.

Instagram @soktheathavychan

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