Nou Sary, Cambodian contemporary artist, is exhibiting 10 paintings at Raffles Hotel Le Royal for three months, from January 13. Hong Raksmey
The timeless elegance of Raffles Hotel Le Royal is serving as the backdrop for a captivating exhibition as celebrated Cambodian artist Nou Sary displays his latest collection.
Restaurant Le Royal, the prestigious Khmer fine dining destination, has officially unveiled its new menu and seasonal art exhibition at the legendary Raffles Hotel Le Royal, a landmark in Cambodia’s capital for over 90 years.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal is collaborating with The Gallerist to exhibit contemporary artworks by Cambodian artists. The inaugural showcase features the latest works of renowned artist Nou Sary, and opened on January 13.
Both the New Modern Khmer Menu and Nou Sary’s art exhibition will be available for the duration of three months, starting in January.
“Restaurant Le Royal offers an extraordinary dining experience with Royal Khmer recipes handed down by decree from the royal palace. It’s an authentic, distinctive and truly memorable place,” said executive chef Martin Becquart.
Art enthusiasts admire the paintings of Nou Sary at Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Hong Raksmey
Art enthusiasts and prominent members of the local community gathered in the hotel’s grand hall to immerse themselves in Sary’s vivid portrayal of Cambodia’s natural and cultural heritage.
The highlight of the exhibition was a striking painting of a lone wooden boat floating atop shimmering blue ripples, adorned with vibrant details that reflect the artist’s deep connection to nature.
The venue’s graceful ambiance – characterised by its high ceilings, flowing drapes, and classic colonial-era architecture – enhanced the experience, creating an air of sophistication and reverence for the arts.
The event underscored Sary’s reputation and marked another milestone in his mission to celebrate Cambodia’s cultural identity through art.
The exhibition, titled “Together,” features 10 evocative paintings displayed across two locations: six in the hotel’s elegant lobby and four in the renowned Restaurant Le Royal.
Sary’s paintings invite viewers into a deeper reflection, drawing attention to the symbolic meaning of his subjects. Hong Raksmey
“This exhibition focuses on people and nature, depicting childhood memories of rice fields, cattle, trees, monks, boats and water, among others,” Sary said.
“With an emphasis on impressionism, these paintings focus on the expression of emotions that manifest themselves in various stories about nature,” he told The Post.
Sary’s paintings invite viewers into a deeper reflection, drawing attention to the symbolic meaning of his subjects.
He pointed to two paintings of monks as examples, noting that their layered messages cannot be grasped at first glance.
His work is both personal and universal, evoking a sense of nostalgia and reverence for Cambodia’s natural and cultural identity.
Sary, born in 1971 in Kandal Province, overcame a challenging childhood by pursuing his passion for art by studying at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh from 1994 to 2000.
Nou Sary explains the themes behind his paintings to guests. Hong Raksmey
He furthered his education in France at the Saint-Étienne School of Art and Design, earning a National Postgraduate Diploma in Plastic Arts in 2006.
Sary is a multidisciplinary artist whose work encompasses painting, sculpture, engraving, illustration and photography.
His art often reflects Cambodia's traditional life, portraying scenes of rice fields, farmers, and monks.
Sary was awarded a medal by the French government through the French Association of Artists for his unique exploration of the relationship between people and nature.
His body of work includes not only paintings but also photographs and drawings, often highlighting organic elements like leaves and grass against bold black backgrounds.
Discussing his artistic journey, Sary touched on the foundations of realistic and figurative painting, which emphasise the likeness of real-life subjects, including light, shadow and intricate details of objects, people and animals.
However, he acknowledged the challenges he faced while studying with artists in Europe.
“Figurative painting is difficult,” he remarked. “There are not many artists who can discover their own colors and styles without becoming famous artists. It takes persistence to pave the way and find their own path.”
For many, the exhibition was more than just a display of paintings; it was a celebration of the rich stories and landscapes that make Cambodia unique.
The Khmer menu at Restaurant Le Royal offers a masterful blend of authentic Royal Khmer fare and modern reinterpretations of traditional flavors.
A waiter displays Khmer cuisine next to a work by Nou Sary at the launch of the Khmer art and Khmer Menu. Hong Raksmey
Highlights include the Canadian Lobster Salad, featuring glass noodles, spicy chili jelly sauce and salmon roe; Beef River-Leaf Sour Soup, inspired by SomlorM’chouKreng Sach Ko with marinated beef and spiced aubergines.
Deep-Fried Fish with sweet and sour sauce and pineapple, an homage to Trey Char Chou Em; Smoked Pork Belly Stew, slow-cooked with palm sugar and bamboo shoots; and a decadent Rambutan Mousse and Compote with Ice Cream, inspired by Num Sav Mav Karem.
Each dish reflects a seamless fusion of Cambodia's culinary heritage with contemporary flair.
Originally opened in 1929, Raffles Hotel Le Royal stands as a testament to timeless elegance with its 175 meticulously restored rooms and suites.
A comprehensive restoration in 2019 preserved the property’s historical charm while adding modern comforts, making it a premier destination for luxury and history enthusiasts alike.
For reservations or inquiries, please contact 023 981 888 or email [email protected].
