Street Fighter 2 is not just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon that redefined the fighting game genre in the 90s. For many, including myself and the client, it evokes strong childhood memories. This connection became the foundation for the mural I created for Kingdom Fight Gym, a Kun Khmer gym located in the heart of Phnom Penh. With a shared passion for both Street Fighter and Kun Khmer, we knew this project would blend nostalgia with tradition in the most exciting way.

The concept? Super Kun Khmer 2 Turbo—a fusion of the iconic game and Cambodia’s ancient martial art. Why this title instead of just Kun Khmer 2? Say it out loud: Super Kun Khmer 2 Turbo just flows. It packs the same punch that the game did in its heyday, adding a modern twist while staying true to its roots.

One of the biggest challenges I faced while working on this mural was the gradient background. Spray cans are the go-to tool for achieving smooth gradients, but I’m not accustomed to using them. Instead, I opted for the traditional approach—paintbrushes. To pull off the transition of colors, I hand-mixed 30 different shades, carefully blending each hue to create a seamless effect.

In this mural, Street Fighter 2 meets Kun Khmer, blending the past and present while celebrating the fighting spirit. It’s a visual homage to the game that defined a generation and a nod to Cambodia’s martial heritage.