Orawan Arunrak undertook a residency in the notorious White Building
neighbourhood in central Phnom Penh, hosted by Sa Sa Art Projects, an artist-
run space based in the area since 2010. Orawan’s residency focused on the use
of portraiture as a means to understand people. Through drawing her temporary
neighbours in their homes in the White Building, she gained a privileged insight into
this creative community. Come In was the title given to the work created during this
residency, comprising several series of drawings that illustrate the interiors of homes
in the White Building, the exterior view of their windows, the faces of children in the
community, the simple materials by which many residents earn their daily living,
chiefly by selling food on the streets of Phnom Penh. The drawings were arranged
in a kind of “open studio” installation in the White Building to share with Orawan’s
neighbours and new friends. Orawan enjoyed a mutual exchange with the villagers
and surrounding community, which can be seen in the drawings.