Born in 1968 in Kandal Province, Cambodia. Chantha studied at the Royal University of Fine Art in Phnom Penh from 1984-1989.

In 2000 he won first prize in the Cambodian National Art contest. In the same year, He was also selected for an exhibition in Thailand at the Silipakan University. Chantha participated in numerous art exhibits in Cambodia.

In 2001 Chantha’s painting, titled ”Economy Government“ was selected for a major exhibition that was sponsored by the Jeux De Francophonie in Canada. As a result of the painting’s controversial nature which depicted wealthy government officials versus poverty of people. It was prohibited for any exhibitions. While living in Canada, Chantha worked for the Select Art Gallery. He is currently living in Lowell, Mass with his wife and two children.

"Chantha Khem, a compact man with a playful smile, may not be able to tell you in English what inspired his paintings; he communicates through his brush.

"I want to show people that it was not built by magic," said Khem, through an interpreter, of the temple city that many of his Hindu and Buddhist brethren believe appeared out of nowhere one day.

Magic is something Khem is acquainted with. It is present when he works his brush across the canvas to expose the dual side of his native land." The Lowell Sun

He paints smiling and starving children with equal intensity in vibrant oils. Having moved out of Cambodia in 2001, Khem knows his country's dark side.

His controversial painting, "Economy Government," (shown on the left hand side) illustrated that pain.

The rendering of a homeless family crouched in rags on the street as an SUV, driven by politicians, putters by, depicts the schism between the destitute people of Phnom Penh and its wealthy officials.

When Cambodian officials saw it, they were not amused.

They bought the original and destroyed it. So he painted another. When it was banned in Cambodia, Khem sought political asylum in Canada in 2001, The piece was selected as the sole representation of Cambodian art in a highly regarded show in Canada.

"For a lot of artists, they only want to do pretty things, pleasant things. He has the ability to translate the daily life of people and make it into a masterpiece," said Khoeun.

Telling the history of his country for future generations is what Khem's work has always been about.

Showcasing history through art is what Khem's gallery seeks to accomplish. Having moved to Lowell from Canada a few months ago, he may start painting local scenes to record the history of his new home.