The Ekarieach Multi-Arts Competition Exhibition, at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra’s art gallery, on display from January 4 to 26. Hong Raksmey
Phnom Penh is playing host to a celebration of the 70th anniversary of Cambodia’s independence, through the medium of 41 exceptional pieces of art.
Held at the on-site art gallery of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, the Ekarieach Multi-Arts Competition Exhibition represents a coming together of the Kingdom’s finest artists, with entrants ranging from established names in the art world to emerging talents.
The announcement of the competition received an overwhelming response, with 160 submissions from talented artists across Cambodia. The selection panel, each of whom is passionate about art and culture, carefully selected the 41 exceptional pieces which now adorn the walls of the gallery, as well as the hotel’s spacious lobby.
“The exhibition is a collaboration between Sofitel, Recreation Cambodia and Le Lezard Bleu, with the aim of exploring the theme of independence in various forms of art, celebrating the 70th Independence anniversary of Cambodia,” explains Charles-Henri Chevet, area general manager of Sofitel.
Only the best
The selection criteria were rigorous, with a focus on the theme of independence, the tangibility of artistic creation and originality.
The jury comprised notable figures from the world of art and culture, including Chevet, Pierre Rol, consultant at Le Lezard Bleu, and Kerya Chau Sun, a spokesperson for the Apsara National Authority – a body tasked with managing the Angkor Archaeological Park – among others.
The exhibition features three prestigious prizes which will recognize and reward the outstanding artists: the Jury Prize, the Public Vote, and the Youngest Talent Award.
“Three prizes have been established to recognise and reward the artists’ outstanding efforts: the Jury Prize, the Public Vote, and the Youngest Talent Award,” adds Chevet.
One of the remarkable artworks, Broaden You Horizon, by artist Em Chanboromey, focuses on the freedom of women and symbolises their transformation into butterflies when they break free from societal constraints.
The work is a stirring depiction of an angelic figure, poised as though caught in a celestial dance or in the midst of a heavenly ascent.
The figure, rendered in strokes of pure white, stands in stark contrast to the painting’s backdrop, a rich gradient that cascades from the fiery hues of a sunset into the tranquil tones of twilight.
The beautifully framed painting has been the subject of admiration and lively discussion amongst visitors, who are drawn to its spiritual undertones and the sense of liberation it evokes.
According to Chanboromey, the background – the colour of the rising sun – symbolises a new day, as the woman depicted in the painting emerges from the cocoon and transforms into a butterfly.
“Whenever a woman discovers herself and breaks free from her confines independently, it is a significant moment,” she tells The Post.
“It signifies the attainment of independence and a new life,” she adds.
Despite her experience as a digital painter, Chanboromey expresses surprise at her work being accepted into the competition.
Nevertheless, she is delighted to see her works on display, competing with those of many more-accomplished artists from the world of painting and photography.
The emerging artist highlighted the importance of organising exhibitions and competitions, especially for young artists looking to showcase their work. Such events provide a platform for artists who might otherwise hesitate to share their creations.
“I believe art is what makes the world creative and colourful,” she remarks.
Contemporary classic
Utilising the radical technique of superimposing three images in a single frame, a black-and-white photograph accentuates portraits of the King Father Norodom Sihanouk and the Independence Monument, with soaring doves flying above the strong imagery.
In the piece, titled 70th National Independence Day, artist Yin Phearum attempts to capture the celebration of the November 9 Independence Day.
Expressing modest expectations about winning the competition, Yin Phearum remarks: “I have little hope of winning this competition because I see that many of the other artists’ are clearly very talented. They way they can draw from their imaginations while painting is different from utilising film.”
Artist Loeum Oudom created an entry which is titled The Rope Dancer. It presents an image of an Apsara walking on a tightrope, demonstrating her delicate balance beneath a nine-story umbrella.
Explaining his choice of a female subject, he explains, “The use of female images is because most of the older women in the village are the primary caretakers in the family, as their husbands died during wartime or from alcoholism.”
The exhibition invites public participation by encouraging them to cast their votes through QR codes which are displayed alongside each artwork.
The announcement of the final winners in the three categories will be made on January 26.
This celebration of art and independence was made possible through the generous support of sponsors who believe in the power of art to inspire and unite communities.
“The exhibition is open to the public, and visitors are invited to participate by casting their votes. The QR code displayed alongside each art piece makes it simple to select the piece which most resonates with them,” says Chevet.
