PHNOM PENH — Art enthusiasts and the public are welcome to view in Phnom Penh the 67 artworks that were shortlisted in the second edition of the Ekarieach Multi-Arts Competition in Cambodia held in 2024.

More than 200 participants registered to take part in the competition and, among the works submitted, 67 works were selected and presented on Jan. 4 in The Gallery and the lobby of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.  

They include works of sculpture, photography, digital graphic art, and painting.

“The purpose of organizing this competition is to provide visibility and opportunities to artists,” said Charles-Henri Chevet, area general manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra. “Most [artists participating] are Cambodians and some foreigners who reside in Cambodia.”  

While the theme for the 2023 contest had been the 70th anniversary of Cambodia declaring its independence in 1953, this year’s theme was water, which the artists expressed through various techniques in an array of styles.

Soeung Vannara, a former deputy dean at the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) and now a painting lecturer, submitted a painting he entitled “Makor Face” featuring a sculpture of Makara, which is a legendary sea creature in Hindu mythology.

“In Khmer culture, Makara sculptures symbolize water and are mostly found in temples,” he said. “During the Water Festival, some boat teams believe that painting Makara will bring them victory in the races.”

While Vannara hopes to win an award, he still appreciates the opportunity of exhibiting his work publicly again, he said, after years of having no time to do so due to his busy schedule at RUFA.

Artist Ouk Chim Vichet, known for his use of metal, stone and wood in his sculptures, submitted a sculpture he entitled “Solidarity” featuring fish, turtles and water. “This sculpture symbolizes the collective strength to overcome hurdles,” he said.

Vichet who spent three months to create the sculpture said he was glad to have his work shortlisted alongside those of esteemed artists. He also hopes to obtain an award in the sculpture category.

Exploring Water and Human Connection

The broad theme of water inspired a variety of interpretations. Artist Lim Kunthea painted “Early Rain in the Rainy Season” to reflect the significance of rain for farmers.

“At the beginning of the rainy season, farmers anxiously anticipate early rains,” he said. “Too much rain can damage their fields, while too little leads to water shortages for them.” A painting teacher from Siem Reap province, Kunthea has been painting for 14 years.
 

Artist Heng Rithy chose to put human beings in relation with nature in his painting entitled “Woman with Nature.”

“I thought most of the artists would focus directly on water, so I chose to incorporate a woman, nature, birds, flowers, butterflies, and water in my painting,” he said. “My painting is meant to show the interdependence between humans and nature. Without water, humans and nature could not exist.”

Rithy, who had taken part in the first competition in 2023, spent one month of intensive work to do his painting for this second competition. Since he lives in Siem Reap, transporting this large work to Phnom Penh proved challenging and he was concerned it might get damaged during the trip, he said.

The winners of the contest, which is organized by Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra in collaboration with its partners, will be announced on Feb. 10, 2025.

The exhibition held in The Gallery and the lobby of the hotel can be viewed daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.