Dany Pen facts for kids

Dany Pen, born on September 22, 1986, is a Canadian artist, teacher, and a champion for human rights. She is from a Cambodian background.

Early Life and Education

Dany Pen was born into a family from Cambodia who came to Canada as refugees in the 1980s. She spent her early childhood in Toronto, Canada, living with her mother in a safe place provided by the Catholic Church. Later, they moved to different communities in Toronto, including St. Jamestown and Regent Park.

When Dany was 12 years old, her school nominated her for a special award called the Toronto Star Honderich Award. She won this award for an essay she wrote called "Pride in the Ghetto." This achievement also earned her a full scholarship to the University of Toronto.

Dany Pen started using her art to share her ideas about social issues and politics. She decided to transfer her scholarship to OCAD University to study art. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture and installation. When she graduated, she received the "Faculty Chair" award, which is a great honor.

Artistic Career

After finishing university, Dany Pen had her first art show by herself at The Board of Directors in Toronto. This show helped her gain attention, and she was able to display her art at other places. She showed her work at XPACE Gallery during the CONTACT Photography Festival in Canada. She also had a solo show at the Society of Arts in Bermuda.

One of her art shows in Bermuda, called "Deja Vu 1965," was noticed by an art critic named Charles Zuill. He said her artwork was similar to the style of the famous artist Paul Gauguin.

Meaning Behind Her Art

Dany Pen's art often explores important historical and social topics.

• Her artwork Erasures was shown in the 2012 Bermuda Biennial. This piece was inspired by the history of the Cambodian genocide and the Khmer Rouge time in Cambodia.
• Her artwork Grooming Goods was chosen for the 2014 International Bermuda Biennial. This piece talked about ideas related to slavery and consumerism, which is about how people buy and use goods.
• Her Self-Portrait and Family art series also explore her family's history with the Cambodian genocide. These works were featured in the 2015 Charman exhibition at the Museum of Masterworks. She also won the 2013 Charman Prize for having the "Best Source of Inspiration" for her art.
• Her artwork Last Breath was featured in the 2016 Bermuda Biennial.

Advocacy and Social Work

In 2006, Dany Pen started working with the June Callwood Centre. She began speaking up for the rights of young mothers and for the safety of young girls. In the same year, she spoke to the City of Toronto government and other city groups. She asked them to provide good housing for young single mothers in Toronto. Even though some people disagreed, the city council voted to approve the building permits.

In 2016, Dany Pen was appointed to serve as a commissioner on the Human Rights Commission in Bermuda. In this role, she focused on women's rights, gender equality (meaning equal rights for all genders), and education.

Also in 2016, Dany Pen started an international group called Women's A.C.T. (action, change, today). This organization works for equality, justice, and support for women who have experienced violence or abuse.

Speaking Up for Victims

In 2021, a media company published an article with photos of victims from the Tuol Sleng prison in Cambodia. These photos were changed without permission from the victims' families. Dany Pen and others from the Cambodian community started a worldwide petition. They asked for an apology from the company and the artist. Over 10,000 people signed the petition, and news outlets like the New York Times and BBC News reported on it. The Cambodian government also supported the petition. Dany Pen and the media company later resolved the issue, and the company issued an apology.

Awards and Recognition

Dany Pen has received several awards for her important work:

• In 2006, the City of Toronto government and former Mayor David Miller recognized her for her charity work and for speaking up for women's rights.
• In 2016, OCAD University in Canada gave her the "World Builder" award. This is the highest honor for alumni who have made important contributions to their community and culture. It is given to people who actively support global causes.
• In 2017, she was nominated as "Woman of the Year" in Bermuda at the Women's Empowerment Summit. She was recognized for her continued work for women's rights.