Curated by celebrated Cambodian photographer Philong Sovan, this intimate collection of 10 portraits showcases leading Cambodian artists in their creative environments.
As long-standing patrons of Cambodian art and heritage, Rosewood Phnom Penh is delighted to announce the arrival of an inspiring new art exhibition, “Artists In Bloom: 10 Portraits of Living Arts Scholars”.
On display from September 10 to 25, this compelling 26-piece photographic journey features portraits of 10 graduates from a celebrated local arts organization, Cambodian Living Arts (CLA), to mark the 10th anniversary of its Arn Chorn-Pond Living Arts Scholarship.
After Cambodia lost 90% of its artists during the Khmer Rouge regime, a genocide survivor founded CLA as an NGO in 1998 to protect endangered cultural artforms. It now supports a thriving national arts sector by providing education, fellowships, and new career pathways to aspiring talent. The Arn Chorn-Pond Living Arts Scholarship alone has supported more than 120 beneficiaries since its inception.
Led by Executive Director Phloeun Prim, CLA’s mission is to facilitate the transformation of Cambodia through the arts – an undertaking that Rosewood Hotels is proud to support. Brought to life by celebrated Cambodian photographer and curator Sovan Philong, “Artists in Bloom” showcases intimate portraits taken by up-and-coming photographer Kimhong Chhen, who pushes artistic boundaries. Together, Philong and Kimhong traveled across the country to capture the featured graduates in their creative environment, alongside distinct Cambodian scenery and settings.
Phloeun said, “Philo is among the most accomplished photographers and curators of the first post-war generation”. He added, “Thanks to his attention to detail and unique perspective, he has been able to tell the stories of our scholars while bridging the past, present, and future.”
As a result, the evocative portraits not only introduce the graduates but also presents their specialties through a different lens, encompassing contemporary dance, visual arts, architecture, shadow puppetry, masked dance, and Take music.
Daniel Simon, managing director of Rosewood Phnom Penh said, “We’re proud to work with Cambodian Living Arts to bring this unique exhibition to life. It’s intimate, beautiful, and inspiring – a testament to the creativity and skills of Philong and Kimhong.” He added, “The exhibition serves as a true celebration of local artists who have become leaders in their artistic fields and are pushing Cambodia’s creative industry in exciting new directions.”
The Rosewood Phnom Penh Art Gallery is located on the hotel’s 35th floor and is open 24 hours daily.
Source: The Rosewood Phnom Penh
