Phnom Penh, November 1st 2019 – Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra will be launching a new exhibition entitled as “Memory” by a Japanese artist Yamada Takakazu, who is based in Cambodia, to be showcased for three months in the hotel’s Gallery. Both visitors and locals of the capital are invited to discover unique art pieces illustrating contemporary Khmer art and the touch of Cambodia landscape, which the artist hopes to inspire local art scene to preserve the beauty of Khmer art.
Yamada Takakazu was born in Nagoya, Japan in 1957. He developed a love for art from an early age and has always been fascinated by arts and how the world is represented through the eyes of other artists. His interest was captivated when he graduated Bachelor Degree of Japanese Painting at Aichi Prefecture University of Fine Arts in 1981 and held his first exhibition in Japan Art Institute in the following year.
In 1994, Yamada visited Cambodia for the first time and had a strong bond with Khmer arts, cultures and traditions. In 2008 he had an opportunity to be an art professional at Royal University of Cambodia, and it was this moment that Yamada had the chance to visit Cambodia frequently. Later on 2012, Yamada established one of the leading art schools in Cambodia under the name Yamada School of Art with an ambition to inspire local art scene to young Khmer artists in order to keep Khmer art alive.
Artist Yamada possess unique art technique which all of his art are painted by Japanese Paper Sticks
on a light piece of wood, using different minerals powders from crushed stones.
I have always been fascinating about Khmer art and always hope that it will be well-preserved. I want to inspire young Cambodia artists to preserve their beautiful art and that is why I established an Art School under the name Yamada School of Art with an ambition to inspire local art scene to young Khmer artists
Yamada Takakazu
Arts and culture are part of Sofitel’s main brand passions, and Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is no exception. As a strong supporter of the culture of the arts in the Kingdom of Cambodia, the hotel opened earlier in the year its Gallery to showcase various Cambodian artists. Charles-Henri Chevet, General Manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra commented: “We are happy to be hosting once again a talented artist in our Gallery to promote arts in Phnom Penh. This exhibition is definitely an opportunity to reflect on our environment through vivid and surprising paintings”. Local art organisation ‘ReCréation’ assisted to curate the exhibition, with extensive history in Cambodia, promoting local artists to the international stage.
YAMADA TAKAKAZU
Yamada Takakazu was born in Nagoya, Japan in 1957. He developed a love for art from an early age and has always been fascinated by arts and how the world is represented through the eyes of other artists. His interest was captivated when he graduated Bachelor Degree of Japanese Painting at Aichi Prefecture University of Fine Arts in 1981 and held his first exhibition in Japan Art Institute in the following year. In 1994, Yamada visited Cambodia for the first time and had a strong bond with Khmer arts, cultures and traditions. Later on 2012, Yamada established one of the leading art schools in Cambodia under the name Yamada School of Art with an ambition to inspire local art scene to young Khmer artists in order to keep Khmer art alive.
Sofitel, World Class Hotels & French Elegance
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is the city’s only French Luxury Hotel, which had been voted as the one of the best hotels in Asia by Condé Nast Traveler readers’ choice award 2019, ranking number 11 among the top 20 hotels. This award-winning hotel boasts 201 rooms & suites, an authentic spa, a modern sports club, a grand ballroom, extensive meeting facilities and four gourmet restaurants for an ultimate culinary journey. A colonial-influenced aesthetic evokes a timeless refinement throughout the hotel, renowned throughout the Kingdom of Cambodia.
