You could be forgiven for being taken aback by the buffalo in the lobby of Sofitel. The life-sized beast, made entirely of rice straw, is one of 100 pieces showcased at Galerie des Arts, an eclectic exhibition held in collaboration with ReCreation art agency. The sculpture was given life by Cambodian artist Nou Sary. Both the title – Nourriture (‘food’) – and the medium are connected to the sculptor’s memories of starvation under the Khmer Rouge: a central topic for Sary, who uses art as a way to process the pain of his past.
Thirty other artists, local and international, contributed to the collection, which includes everything from painting and sculpture to pottery and jewellery, from knives and sabres to fashions crafted from recyclable materials. “Cambodian artists now are more open and confident than before,” says Madeleine de Langalerie, curating the exhibition until it closes on May 31. “They don’t copy any more and they are developing their own ideas and language. We wanted to create a diverse group to show how much they can do.”
Among the many works dotted around the hotel is a silver-plated gecko designed by Soth Simarck. Its body is made of intertwining leaves, generating a rich and elegant pattern. This protector of households evokes the vital bond between man and nature, something which should be safeguarded. Nature is a central element also for Som Rany, a jeweller who appreciates the simple beauty of organic materials, particularly seeds. These are hand-collected and rubbed with coconut and lemongrass oil, which leaves their natural splendour shining. “These two artists, together with fashion designer Oeun, have their own social business,” says Langalerie. “They are three lovely and determined ladies who started their own trade providing an income to people in need, particularly women.”
Galerie des Arts is a dialogue between different forms of art, as well as different generations. On one side there are the ‘fathers’ who survived Pol Pot and still bear the scars, like Sary, Lim Theam and Sera. On the other, a rising wave of young artists bringing fresh proposals with energy and a touch of romanticism. This is the case with Joint Destiny, by Thang Sothea. “My two artworks, which share the same title, are more powerful when they are together,” says the artist. “One is a painting depicting the symbolical juxtaposition of two fingerprints and the other one is a sculpture representing the union of two lovers.
WHO: 100 artists, local and international
WHAT: Galerie des Arts exhibition
WHERE: Sofitel, #26 Old August Site, Sothearos Blvd.
WHEN: Until May 31
WHY: “Creativity takes courage. ” – Henri Matisse