PRESS RELEASES
On display until March 21, 2023, the exhibition brings together four artists in Cambodia from widely different backgrounds – all united by their love of Khmer culture.
December 21, 2022
Rosewood Phnom Penh is pleased to introduce its latest exhibition, “Visions”. Spanning genres and generations, the experience features unique perspectives on Khmer life by four artists in Cambodia: Sopheap Nhem, Kimsan Sou, FONKi and Stef. While their styles, ages and backgrounds vary widely, they share a love for Cambodia and a desire to capture the country’s cultural heritage through the universal language of art.
“These artists represent the incredible diversity of thought, experiences and styles across Cambodia today. Each painting reveals a different side of this ever-evolving country,” says Daniel Simon, managing director of Rosewood Phnom Penh. “As a result, the exhibition feels immersive, insightful, magical and deeply personal, and we hope it inspires visitors to explore and appreciate Cambodia through different lenses.”
On display until March 21, 2023, “Visions” also reflects Cambodia’s growing and evolving art world. Born in Ta Khmau in Kandal Province in 1989, Sopheap is beginning to make a name for her ethereal, almost fluid portraits of women and Khmer symbols. While studying at the Yamada School of Art in Phnom Penh, she won the 2013 Dream Girls Content, a project that aims to provide pathways for Cambodian women to succeed in the creative fields.
Kimsan Sou, another young artist from Kandal Province, produces paintings that combine his affinity for temple art with modern life – an approach that aims to push Cambodian fine art into a new era. A graduate of the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh, he has exhibited in Japan, South Korea and China. Currently, Kimsan is pursuing a master’s degree in painting at the Royal Academy of Cambodia while working as a teacher at his alma mater.
FONKi, a pioneer of Cambodia’s street art scene, is best known for his kbach style of graffiti, which fuses ancient Khmer traditions with contemporary imagery. Born in France to Cambodian refugees and raised in Montreal, FONKi famously featured in the award-winning 2012 documentary “The Roots Remain,” highlighting his return to his ancestral home. Since then, he has captured Cambodia in raw, realistic murals and paintings, which have appeared in Phnom Penh galleries and Battambang abandoned buildings alike.
Meanwhile, Stef has created some of the country’s most recognizable paintings. The prolific French artist, born Stéphane Delaprée, developed his vibrant, “happy” style over 50 years in the art world and even inspired a movement in Cambodia. His quirky paintings capture everyday moments in Khmer culture with a sense of movement and a mastery of color.
“Brimming with up-and-coming talents and established international figures, Cambodia’s art scene is transforming rapidly,” says Simon. “Rosewood Phnom Penh is proud to give a platform to these exceptional artists and share the true spirit of the country with all our guests as part of our A Sense of Place philosophy.”
“Visions” will be open to the public from December 21, 2022, to March 20, 2023, at the Rosewood Phnom Penh Art Gallery on the hotel’s 35th floor. The exhibition is free to the public and is open 24 hours daily.
