Phnom Penh & Exhibition: ‘Golden Goddess’, a celebration of divine femininity and cultural heritage

Plantation Urban Resort & Spa is proud to present ‘Golden Goddess: A Celebration of Divine Femininity and Cultural Heritage,’ a vibrant group exhibition featuring works by Alda Waddell, Lucas Varro, and Ponleu.

Organised by Nat Di Maggio of TRIBE Art Gallery, this three-month exhibition will open on 1 May 2025 and invite visitors to discover a space where femininity and heritage intertwine in vibrant and deeply thoughtful works of art, celebrating women through culture, spirituality and artistic expression.

Exhibition

‘Golden Goddess’ brings together three artists whose origins, styles and backgrounds converge in a shared respect for tradition, transformation and spiritual connection. From the ancient temples of Angkor to the symbolic language of mandalas and the peaceful rhythms of the Cambodian countryside, each work in the exhibition pays tribute to divine femininity, not only as a symbol, but also as a living energy that shapes culture and consciousness.

‘Each artist brings a different perspective on femininity,‘ explains curator Nat Di Maggio.

’What unites them is a silent reverence for nature, the spiritual world and the cycles of time. There is an inner strength and deep listening in these works that seem both ancient and very contemporary."

Photograph by Lucas Varro

Artists

Lucas Varro (United Kingdom, born in 1966) Currently based in Siem Reap, the artist finds inspiration in ancient stones and the changing light of the temples of Angkor. Influenced by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, his textured and contemplative works reflect the beauty of impermanence. Through natural decay and historical memory, Varro invites the viewer to complete the narrative, offering a personal meditation on time, spirit and renewal.

Ponleu (Cambodia, born in 1994)

Born in the province of Siem Reap, Ponleu Prom pays tribute to the Cambodian landscape, its people and its disappearing traditions. With no formal artistic training, he found his voice through perseverance and the Colours of Cambodia community, where he now teaches. His paintings radiate peace and freedom, celebrating heritage not as nostalgia, but as a living force.

Celestial Harmony by Alda Waddell

Alda Waddell (South Africa, born in 1973)

Alda Waddell's journey from corporate executive to artist began with a simple art class that evolved into a spiritual practice rooted in sacred geometry and nature. Her first exhibition in Cambodia features intricate mandalas inspired by the sacred circle of the Nagas, works that are both vibrant and meditative, inviting viewers to pause, reflect and reconnect. As part of the Golden Goddess exhibition, artist Alda Waddell will host an intimate mandala art class on 3 May at La Plantation.

The curator

Nat Di Maggio is the founder of the TRIBE Art Gallery in Siem Reap, a space dedicated to showcasing Southeast Asian artists and creating intercultural dialogue through contemporary art. Born in the UK, with Italian, Irish, Albanian, Middle Eastern and Asian heritage, Nat has lived in Cambodia since 2018.

A lifelong advocate for the arts, his curatorial career ranges from local community projects in East London, where he was named Citizen of the Year in 2016, to managing exhibitions for Turner Prize-winning artists.

The venue

Nestled in the heart of Phnom Penh, La Plantation Urban Resort & Spa has long supported Cambodian and international artists. Renowned for its peaceful, green setting and exhibition spaces surrounded by lotus ponds and tropical vegetation, La Plantation offers a unique platform where art and the environment merge in harmony.

‘Golden Goddess really feels at home at La Plantation,’ says Alexander Scheible, General Manager.

‘Our art space is shaped by water, nature and reflection. We are delighted to host an exhibition that brings together different artistic voices in such a meaningful and harmonious way. And we are grateful to TRIBE Art Gallery for this second collaboration, which promises to be truly exciting.’

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Golden Goddess est ouverte au public du 1er mai au 31 juillet 2025, tous les jours de 9 h à 20 h. L'entrée est gratuite.