A captivating exhibition by Belgian photographer Aurélie Fischer, entitled ‘Murmurs of Serenity’, is currently illuminating the walls of the Kep ArtBar in Kep province.
Presenting Cambodia's temples and landscapes from the perspective of pandemic-era solitude, Aurélie Fischer's work transforms constraints into art, offering visitors a rare glimpse of the country's sacred sites during the quietest period in its tourism history.
From tourist to storyteller
Arriving in Cambodia as a traveller during the pandemic, Aurélie Fischer found herself spellbound by the country's cultural tapestry and natural beauty. What began as a simple visit turned into a profound journey of artistic awakening.
“I chose to stay and immerse myself completely in this country,” she recalls.
The calm of Angkor archaeological park, devoid of crowds, became her muse. ‘The sacred silence of the temples deepened my connection - each photo is a testament to a void filled with meaning, where the whispers of nature have replaced the sounds of man,’ she explains.
Based in Phnom Penh, where she works with the Canadian International School (CIS), Fischer is no less attached to the old stones of Siem Reap. Her images, imbued with a sense of tranquillity, invite the viewer to ‘enter a suspended time’, combining the eternal and the ephemeral.
Beyond Cambodia: The ‘little goddesses’ of India
The exhibition also ventures beyond Cambodia, to Pushkar in India, where Fischer photographed young girls transformed into ‘living goddesses’ during a sunrise blessing ritual.
“Their parents adorned them in bright colours, channelling divine wisdom to bless the inhabitants in their quest for goodness,” she explains.
These portraits, rich in cultural reverence, echo the spiritual themes of his Cambodian work.
A space for shared stories
Aurélie Fischer hopes that her photographs will have a universal resonance, but she extends a special invitation to adventurers and researchers. ‘I'd like to share the stories behind each image - how Cambodia's dynamism has transformed me as an artist,’ she says.
Hosted at Kep ArtBar, a professional gallery that has been fostering creative exchange since 2020, the exhibition runs until 28 February 2025. Visitors can make an appointment by calling +855(0)98 609 552.
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