PHNOM PENH/PARIS: In a world craving authenticity and soul, Cambodian artist Nou Sary delivers a cultural reset with his latest dual exhibitions, in Phnom Penh and Paris, France.
From the timeless halls of Raffles Hotel Le Royal to the contemporary art space of the French capital’s Epidemick Gallery France, Sary invites audiences to feel—really feel—the heartbeat of Cambodia.
“Sary Nouwill be present at the gallery from April 4 to12, creating a unique opportunity to engage with him directly, notably through dinners and meetings organised within the gallery,” explained the French gallery.
“Les Couleurs de l’Âme Khmer is a testament to Sary Nou’s mastery, showcasing works that explore the symbiotic bond between humanity and nature,” it added.
Pieces like La Moisson (The Harvest), Le Vent de la Récolte (The Wind of the Harvest), and Marché aux Poissons (Fish Market) spotlight the deep bond between humans and the earth.
Each canvas hums with earthy tones and delicate strokes, giving form to the silent poetry of Khmer life.
“Through these works, I share the soul of Cambodia — the colours of its land and the spirit of its people,” says Sary.
“This exhibition is an invitation to feel that connection,” he adds.
The elegance of Raffles Hotel Le Royal, with its colonial charm and flowing drapes, became the perfect stage this January for "Together," a deeply moving exhibition featuring ten paintings by Sary.
Six of the evocative works now grace the hotel's grand lobby, while the other four adorn the walls of Restaurant Le Royal, complementing the launch of the hotel’s New Modern Khmer Menu.
His exhibition focuses on people and nature, depicting childhood memories of rice fields, cattle, trees, monks, boats and water, among others.
“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.
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.
Sary’s art doesn’t just decorate a wall — it opens a portal. His brushwork pulls you back to simpler times: buffalo fields at dusk, monks walking in silence, children running barefoot through muddy trails. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
