A big turnout heralded the much-anticipated opening of Sasha Constable’s gallery, Constable Gallery at Large, last Tuesday evening in the centre of the hip Kandal Village neighbourhood, with an event that turned into a street party that saw businesses from across the village pitching in. 

With work from a wide range of emerging and well-established artists including Svay Ken, Ou Vandy, Lim Muy Theam, Vincent Broustet, Bruno Levy and Constable herself on display, the opening reflected Constable’s ambitions for the space. 

“I will be showing high-quality contemporary art, but there is no fixed genre,” she said.

Since the closure of the Hotel de la Paix in 2012, Siem Reap has lacked an exhibition space for Cambodia-based artists. Constable aims to finally close that gap. 

“I’ve been thinking about a gallery for years, but hadn’t found the right location or price, until now,” she said. 

“The market in Siem Reap is untapped, but it’s a complicated market, too, that requires someone with specialised contacts and relationships. I’m fortunate to be able to fill that role partly due to the length of time I’ve lived in Cambodia and the relationships I’ve built over that time.” 

And after the sore heads from Tuesday have been remedied, Constable is keen to get on, heading to Battambang in June to select work from Srey Bandolier, Tor Vutha, and perhaps some others. 

“I’m extremely excited to have a platform to showcase artists that deserve a wide audience. There is so much creative talent in Cambodia, but very few places to view that talent.”

Constable Gallery at Large is located at #628 Hap Guan Street.