The Story Behind "Rebirth": From Australia to Apsara
c. keo // October 12, 2021 // creative process
“Rebirth” is an artwork that holds a special place in my creative journey. Originally, it was simply called Apsara, but its transformation into Rebirth reflects both the evolution of the piece and its deeper meaning. For those curious about how it got its name, I’ve shared that story in a separate post. Today, I want to give you an inside look into the process behind its creation, which spanned years and continents.
The spark of inspiration in Australia (2014)
In 2014, I was traveling through Australia, staying at a remote campsite mostly filled with fellow backpackers. As always, I had my sketchbook with me—a space where I jot down thoughts, ideas, and sketches, knowing they might come in handy one day. One night, while lying in my tent, the idea for a deck of playing cards struck me. I loved the concept of cards where images could be viewed both right-side-up and upside-down, and this sparked the first sketch for what would eventually become Rebirth.
The first sketch: Anatomy meets Apsara
Anyone who knows me knows I have a deep fascination with human anatomy, and that interest was central to my initial sketches. The early concept, however, lacked something culturally significant. It wasn’t until I returned home to the Netherlands in 2015 to start my illustration business that I revisited the sketch and realized it needed a distinctly Khmer element. That’s when the iconic image of the Apsara came to mind. I added the mokot, the traditional Apsara headdress, which gave the piece the Khmer identity it was missing.
A year later I returned to the Netherlands to start my illustration business. I needed new illustrations and as I flipped through old sketches I felt this one was missing something. It needed something quintessentially Khmer. What is more iconic than the image of the Apsara? In addition, the “mokot” (Apsara headdress) was added.
Finding meaning and applications
Interestingly, I didn’t set out to give Rebirth a deep meaning during its creation. The interpretation came later, as I reflected on its themes of renewal and cultural identity. Now that the piece exists, I’ve been exploring various ways to apply it. Naturally, one of the first ideas was to offer it as a print. You can find it in my webshop, where it’s available for purchase. Beyond that, I’ve thought about other potential uses, such as a tattoo design or a mural.
What do you think Rebirth could be used for? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
