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To celebrate 70 years of friendship between Cambodia and Japan, Rosewood Phnom Penh is hosting a new exhibition inspired by artists from the two nations, “Cambodian Arts Making a Global Leap”.

The new exhibition, which runs until November 1, features nature-inspired works by four talented Khmer artists. It is curated by Japanese artist Takakazu Yamada, founder of Yamada School of Art – one of Phnom Penh’s leading art schools.

Meet the Artists

The captivating art exhibition will feature one of Yamada’s paintings alongside the works of Khmer artists, Nou Sary, an established interdisciplinary artist celebrating nature, humanity, and hope across varied mediums. Nout Daro, a painter and sculptor who explores Cambodian history, communities, and landscapes.

Pang Darin, a young painter with a passion for nature and a deep connection to the jungle; and Sam Ol Sovanlika, a painter from Phnom Penh who channels the beauty of the world through her work.

Each selected piece highlights Cambodia’s natural beauty and diverse scenery, from its lush forests and wildlife to its treasured agricultural traditions. A painting by Sary features glowing amber rice paddies seen from above, while a work from Sovanlika captures vibrant fish in a neon-hued dreamscape.

“Cambodian artists are aiming for contemporary art that is completely different from other ways of thinking. Sary, Daro, Darin and Sovanlika love nature, and [they] all draw it in their own way,” said Yamada.

Meet the Curator

As the exhibition organiser, Yamada chose to collaborate with the Embassy of Japan, the Kingdom of Cambodia, Rosewood Phnom Penh, and the Dream Girls Project, a programme that supports Cambodian women.

“I want people from Cambodia and other countries to know that this young generation of artists has the potential to be known around the world – and that day is not far away,” he said.

Yamada, who worked as a visiting professor at the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) in Phnom Penh in 2007, says he fell in love with the culture, mythology and magic of Cambodia on his first visit to Angkor Wat in the 1990s.

In 2012, he founded his namesake Yamada School of Art to cultivate the local arts and support the next generation of Cambodian talent.

“I have devoted myself to the development of art in Cambodia for 12 years. I want to share what I learned in Japan with Cambodia,” said Yamada. “I have held art competitions and exhibitions almost every year to bring Cambodian art to the world as an art project in and of itself.”

The Exhibition

“Cambodian Arts Making a Global Leap” is a natural extension of Yamada’s ambitions. Communicating distinct perspectives, stories, and styles, all four artists chosen for the exhibition are RUFA alumni and have great potential to be successful at a global level.

“Since Rosewood Phnom Penh opened its doors five years ago, we have witnessed Cambodian artists blossom with astonishing speed and made it our mission to support this growth,” says Daniel Simon, managing director of Rosewood Phnom Penh.

“This exhibition aims to show what is possible when people collaborate across borders and cultures. We also hope to inspire other young Cambodian artists to continue to cultivate their talents and share them with the world.”

“Cambodian Arts Making a Global Leap” will be displayed until November 1 at the Rosewood Phnom Penh Art Gallery on the 35^th floor of the hotel.