Phnom Penh & Arts: Chhim Sothy unveils the “Seasons of the Arts”

Last night at Le Royal restaurant, located in the historic Raffles Le Royal hotel, well-known artist Chhim Sothy unveiled his brand new collection of works of art entitled “Seasons of the Arts - Les Saisons des Arts”.

Live demonstration by the artist during the vernissage

More than a hundred people attended this vernissage, which combined art and Khmer gastronomy with talent. As part of its collaboration with local art gallery ‘The Gallerist’, the kitchen team at Raffles Le Royal also unveiled its new “modern Khmer” menu, which will be available until November 2024.

These new paintings by Chhim Sothy, currently on show and on view for the next three months, reflect the changing landscape of Phnom Penh through an unusual mix of traditional Cambodian themes infused with techniques reminiscent of modern European art.

“I'm trying to show life around the cities and the lake, landscapes that make up the identity of our capital and which are tending to disappear in favour of urbanisation,” explained the artist during the opening.

In her speech, Benedict Ravel, delighted at her return to the country after two years' absence, made no secret of her delight at being able to welcome Chhim's works to this prestigious venue:

“Tonight, we are delighted to introduce you to Chhim Sothy’s new series. He is a talented painter who has long been recognized in Cambodia and in many countries where his artworks have been exhibited.”

“For this new series, Sothy was highly inspired by life along the Mekong and Tonle Bassac rivers, the bright colors of the fish markets and the rocking of the fishing boats. A whole microcosm is depicted with large brushstrokes, almost sculpted with a knife, like an urgency to show the fragility of the link that intertwined the aquatic world and the humans, a link threatened by global warming.”

Sothy's unique fluency of style resonates strongly with the environment that surrounds him. His artistic world touches us not only visually but emotionally.

Chhim Sothy is the second artist to exhibit at the Raffles under the partnership agreement, following in the footsteps of French artist Stan. The Gallerist, a Phnom Penh art gallery known for its partnerships with the best artists from Cambodia and the region. Its team carefully selects works to ‘establish a visual conversation between artists, allowing visitors to explore abstract and figurative interpretations of nature, society and the human soul’.

During the vernissage, guests were also able to sample some of the new Khmer menu that will be on offer at Le Royal for the next three months. A particularly rich and original menu that includes: a pomelo and river lobster terrine, with a sweet chilli sauce, grated toasted coconut and mint leaves.

There's also a seafood consommé with galanga, scallops, mussels, prawns, clams and vegetable brunoise; slow-cooked goose with aubergine purée, oyster sauce, dried chilli and hot basil; and braised Australian beef with red curry paste, chilli oil, dried chilli flakes, coconut milk, roasted peanuts and crusty bread.