The White Building, built in 1963, is an iconic apartment block in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. It currently awaits an uncertain future as talks continue about the demolition of this vibrant community that stands alone in the heart of Phnom Penh’s urban redevelopment. Abi created this work to show the strong, bold community that resides there. “The washing rail for me symbolises a reminder of how we are all the same, a symbol of family, of home that we often see wherever we are in the world. Following many violent evictions in Cambodia I wanted to remind the public that the families and people that live there are humans just like me and you and deserve fair humane treatment if this building is destined to be brought down. “ This mixed media painting by Abi Baikie is part of a series inspired by her travels to Asia. Abi creates her artworks mainly on board or wood using screen printed patterns, layered with stencilled motifs and hand painted imagery in oils. Abi originally gave up her job in the UK to work for an NGO teaching art to children in Cambodia. She had no idea how much this trip would mean in terms of helping her to reconnect with her creativity and inspired her to create whole new body of work. “My travels to Asia inspired my current style, embracing strong colours and striking patterns, imitating the vibrancy and bustle that first hits you in countries like Cambodia and India. I work with a range of media and use various techniques such as screen-print, oil painting, stencils and spray-paints. I often begin with bold, striking backgrounds then select individual objects to oil paint on top, which are selected from my own photographs I take during my travels. These objects give a human aspect to the work, something the viewer can relate to, something familiar. However, they are often unusual or slightly abstract so they cannot be placed entirely and maintain a little unfamiliarity and curiosity.” Abi Baikie