My name is Cheerted Keo, but I create under the name RYYSA: a word that derived from “roots” in Khmer. What started as a personal art project has grown into a lifelong journey of reconnecting with my heritage, exploring identity, and bridging cultures through art.

Born in a UNHCR refugee camp and raised in the Netherlands, I have always lived between worlds, and so drawing became my refuge: a space where I could make sense of my experiences and express what words could not. Art opened doors, created opportunities, and gave me a voice when I needed one the most.

Now, residing in Cambodia, my work is a reflection of that journey. I explore the duality of identities, blending Cambodia’s deep-rooted traditions with modern influences. Through my art, I bring together the old and the new, the grace and elegance of Apsara dancers with the raw energy of city life, the serenity of monks with the chaos of street markets. More than just visuals, my work tells stories that are often overlooked, inviting the world to see Cambodia not just as a place of history, but as a living, evolving culture.