Featured Artist: Kannetha Brown

Kannetha Brown, a first-generation Cambodian-American photographer and descendant of Khmer Rouge survivors, elevates visual storytelling with a profound connection to her heritage. The Cambodian Tribunal Monitor reports that during the rule of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, policies were enforced with a severe disregard for human life, leading to widespread repression and large-scale massacres. The genocide towards the Cambodian population forced Brown's mother and grandmother to seek refuge in the United States. Additionally, she is granddaughter of military official, Sethon Neth, who worked under the Lon Nol Regime. Her photographs capture the culmination of her family heritage, generational trauma and healing, as well as, "the loud and quiet echoes of genocide and displacement within familial and individual identity," as stated on her website.

Photo of Kannetha Brown (Source Unknown)

To provide context, on Kannetha and her achievements, she received her BFA in Photography, graduating with Departmental and Academic Honors from Massachusetts College of Design. Her accomplishments as a photographer, have led to various outstanding exhibition collaborations including: the National Cambodian Heritage Museum (Chicago, 2025), Brown University Center for Students of Color (Providence), and Rochester Institute of Technology (New York.) Brown also has a strong catalogue of awards she has earned consisting of the following: a Citizen Citation from the Mayor of Providence, a Certificate of Recognition from the Kun Khmer International Federation, and an Andy Warhol Foundation Grant from Interlace. Lastly, she has worked with the likes of the New York Times, Rolling Stone, and the University of Massachusetts, Boston. This is just a sliver of her accomplishments!

Pictures from Brown's series, "Two Oceans."Shot with the Deardorf 8x10 view camera with a 300mm lens on black and white film.

Brown’s remarkable skill in visual storytelling delivers a powerful and intentional impact through her imagery. As featured above in "Two Ocean's," Brown's ability to reshape the narrative within the Cambodian community in Rhode Island is clearly evident through this series. According to Brown's website, the Khmer Rouge's regime documented their victims using black and white film and darkroom printing. In this project, Brown consciously conveys connection and empowerment through her strategic usage of the Deardorf 8x10 view film camera. Brown describes this project as one of her earliest long-term endeavors, highlighting how it gave her the opportunity to discover and develop her artistic voice.

Photo taken from Kannetha's website, featuring a woman wearing a pink dress standing in front of Adult Entertainment Club Fantasies located in Providence, Rhode Island

Kannetha's portrait series shares the common theme of bold and saturated colors, that utilize highlights that enhance the photos. As a native Rhode Islander, myself, I have always driven past the iconic turquoise building located on Sims Ave, that is featured above. The complementary pinks of the model's dress pairs seamlessly with the vibrant neon lights of the sign in the top left corner. One could assume that perhaps the model works at the club. If that is the case, the model is strategically placed in the foreground, and with the subtle contrast of the cars, it provides the viewer an intimate perspective of an experience that could be found on the inside of the club. This photo closely follows a common theme of power struggles, and in this case black women are faced with. However, the manor in which Brown angles the camera, displays the model reclaiming and holding that power.

As a native Rhode Islander, and artist working in Providence, Brown understands the dynamics that are exchanged within the artist and art-based community. She states how the Providence art scene has an uneven partnership between those who can and cannot access art. This is something that I have certainly learned as an artist myself, and have thought about extensively; art is not as accessible as it can be. However, Brown mentions how there are institutions like RISD that are making programing approachable for a wider and more diverse range of the population. I have actually learned that there are a number of groups that are actively working towards a more accessible future including: The WaterFire Arts Center, Gallery Night, and the Avenue Concept.

Kannetha Brown’s work as a photographer serves as a bridge between personal history and broader cultural narratives, offering a deeply reflective lens on identity, trauma, and resilience. As a Providence native and an artist, Brown's insights into the local art scene highlight both the challenges and the strides being made toward inclusivity and accessibility in the arts. For more information on Kannetha and how to support her, check out her website and follow her on Instagram!