In Pictures & Exhibition: Pen Robit unveils its new "Krola" series

Last Monday, the Cambodian artist unveiled his brand new series of paintings entitled Krola at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra gallery.

Pen Robit unveils its new "Krola" series

With around a hundred people in attendance for this exhibition, the gallery was buzzing with the lines and colours of a rather original artist who was delighted to be able to exhibit his work in the gallery of the capital's prestigious hotel. A meticulous and precise artist, Pen Robit uses a very particular technique (dripping), shaping his lines using small pockets filled with colours and tracing his lines with light pressure, a bit like an expert pastry chef adorning his work with slight reliefs that become lines, curves and various shapes, all inspired by the colours of the famous Cambodian scarf, the krama.

In his welcome speech, Charles-Henri Chevet, the General Manager of the hotel, reminded the audience of the initiatives currently underway, in particular the second edition of the 'Ekarieach' competition.

He then thanked the artist for having chosen the Sofitel gallery for this new exhibition "by an artist who is making Cambodian contemporary art shine across borders".

The Battambang artist was equally enthusiastic about seeing his work attract so much interest.

"For me, this series represents a harmonious blend of similar forms evoking many of the characteristic elements of everyday life in the Kingdom's countryside, such as the krama, rice paddies and fishing nets", he said, adding:

"Unlike my previous series, I make much more use of the dripping technique to create bold contrasts and more vibrant colours, replacing the darkness of a certain past with the splendour of Cambodian culture and its rich heritage".

The exhibition will be on show for two months in the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra gallery.

More photos here...