Phnom Penh: Singapore-born illustrator Joshua Chiang celebrates a decade of visual storytelling with his first solo exhibition, Makaras and Motodops: Joshua Chiang’s 10-Year Journey, opening at Plantation Urban Resort and Spa on 29 March 2026. Running until 30 May 2026, the exhibition showcases Joshua’s distinctive “Pile Up” artworks inspired by life in Cambodia while also highlighting the importance of respecting copyright and protecting creative expression.
A long-time resident of Cambodia, Joshua began his artistic exploration of the country in 2016 with a drawing of a humorously overloaded motorcycle. That illustration sparked the development of his now-recognisable “Pile Up” style dense, energetic compositions in which people, wildlife, architecture, and everyday objects collide in vibrant visual narratives.
Through these layered scenes, Joshua captures the Cambodia he knows, rich in culture, history, and contradiction, where ancient traditions and modern life coexist in surprising ways. His works invite viewers to explore the country with curiosity, humour, and a sense of wonder.
“Most artists typically focus on one or two subjects that they paint or draw repeatedly,” Joshua explains. “In contrast, I prefer to explore a wide range of subjects and employ various artistic techniques, often simultaneously. ‘Piling Up’ was my attempt to pack as many of these elements as I wanted into a single piece while still maintaining a sense of coherence and unity.”
Alongside celebrating his artistic journey, Joshua is using the exhibition to address an issue he believes is crucial to the growth of Cambodia’s creative community: respect for copyright.
Cambodia is a signatory to the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, which automatically grants copyright protection to original creative works. For Joshua, respecting these laws is essential to nurturing the country’s emerging generation of artists.
“In the last few years, I’ve seen an incredible new wave of Cambodian artists with bold ideas and imagination,” he says. “I truly hope this leads to a renaissance for Cambodian art, but copyright infringement risks undermining that momentum.”
Joshua argues that copying and selling artworks without permission harms not only individual artists but also the creative ecosystem as a whole.
“When someone copies an artwork and replaces the signature, they are stealing more than just an image,” he says. “They are taking the many hours of research, thinking, and personal experience that went into creating it.”
The exhibition is hosted by the multi-award-winning Plantation Urban Resort and Spa, which has long supported the Cambodian art scene and regularly collaborates with artists to showcase their work.
“A diverse portfolio of exhibitions and artists has always been central to our efforts to support the local art community,” says Alexander Scheible, general manager of Plantation Urban Resort and Spa. “We provide space where artists can present their work and support their creativity.”
Scheible also expressed support for Joshua’s call for stronger copyright protection.
“We have seen many cases where original work is not respected and copies appear quickly, leaving the creative minds behind the work without the recognition and rewards they deserve,” he says.
Visitors to the exhibition will see a curated selection of Joshua’s works displayed at the original scale at which they were created, allowing viewers to appreciate the intricate storytelling and fine details within each piece. The exhibition will also feature never-before-seen sketches, original ink drawings, and colour studies, offering insight into his creative process.
The exhibition also marks a new chapter in Joshua’s artistic practice. While many of his earlier works were created digitally, he has recently begun returning to traditional media such as ink and watercolor, embracing the unpredictable “happy accidents” that come with working by hand.
“The best artwork is always a delicate dance between skill and happy accidents,” Joshua explains. “True creativity involves taking risks.”
The exhibition opens with a reception on Sunday, 29 March 2026, from 4pm to 7pm, featuring an opening speech by the artist, live music by The Dropping Shoes, and a special musical performance by Joshua himself. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments.
Photo by: Supplied
