PRESS RELEASES
Presented in collaboration with FT Gallery, “Revelation” unites leading contemporary Cambodian artists with global painters, muralists and illustrators to celebrate Khmer culture.
January 18, 2024
The Rosewood Phnom Penh Art Gallery is delighted to continue its collaboration with FT Gallery with its latest exhibition, “Revelation”. Showcasing diverse artistic styles, the exhibition brings together artists from Cambodia, Nepal, Switzerland, Canada, and France who share a personal connection to Khmer culture through their upbringing, ancestry and travels.
Exhibiting until April 10, 2024, “Revelation” showcases recent works from a number of highly regarded Cambodia-based artists. Among them is Ranon Phal, who grew up in Battambang and started painting at just nine years old. Inspired by the rich heritage surrounding him, Ranon captures intricate details in his drawings and paintings of iconic landmarks and street scenes.
Another young talent forged by her Khmer upbringing is Sopheap Nhem, who discovered painting at 14 and won a coveted scholarship to the Yamada School of Art. Since then, the award-winning fine artist has displayed her fluid oil paintings, which fuse mythology and modern life in depictions of Khmer culture, worldwide.
FT Gallery’s curatorial team also explored Asia, Europe and the Americas to discover exceptional artists united by their ties to Cambodian culture. For instance, contemporary Dutch-Cambodian artist Ryysa explores his dynamic cultural identity through vibrant illustrations and murals. Meanwhile, FONKi, born in France to Cambodian refugees, has pioneered Khmer street art using Kbach-style lettering and modern interpretations of Angkor frescoes.
“We're very fortunate to have both local artists and artists from across the globe, who share the same roots or simply a common cultural affection, understanding and curiosity,” said FONKi, the curator and owner of FT Gallery.
Adding yet more dimensions to the exhibition, Nepalese artist Imagine, also known as Sneha Shrestha, introduces energy and color with her distinct blend of graffiti and Sanskrit - a language that appears on ancient inscriptions from the Khmer Empire. Meanwhile Cambodia-based French artist Stéphane Delaprée, aka Stef, celebrates his chosen home of Phnom Penh with bright and buoyant paintings and Montreal-based illustrator and muralist Olivier Bonnard creates stunning street art inspired by Khmer myths.
“Cambodia’s art scene continues to grow with breathtaking speed,” shares Daniel Simon, Managing Director of Rosewood Phnom Penh. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support the country’s artistic evolution through this special exhibition, allowing our guests to experience the magic and depth of Khmer culture from a wide range of perspectives.”
“Revelation” is on display from today until April 10, 2024 at the Rosewood Phnom Penh Art Gallery on the hotel’s 35th floor. The exhibition is free to the public and is around the clock.
