Ekarieach All Stars: 26 Cambodian Artists Reinvent Identity in Phnom Penh

The Ekarieach All Stars exhibition opens its doors on January 20, 2026, at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, bringing together 26 talented artists from the first two editions of the national Ekarieach competition for a free and profound exploration of the theme of identity.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital, hosts this promising vernissage celebrating creative individuality and artistic freedom in contemporary Cambodia. Art lovers and culture enthusiasts are invited to discover this intimate reflection on self and society.​

Roots of Ekarieach: A Tribute to Independence

Founded in 2023 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Cambodia's independence, Ekarieach – "independence" in Khmer – has established itself as one of the country's most respected platforms for emerging and established artists. Promoting authentic expression and interdisciplinary dialogue, the competition first explored the theme "Independence" (2023-2024), then "Water" (2024-2025), marking key milestones in Khmer art's evolution. Ekarieach All Stars now reunites selected works from these editions, honoring the diversity of voices defining Cambodia's burgeoning art scene.​

Identity: An Invitation to Free Introspection

Far from imposing a single narrative, Ekarieach All Stars allows each artist to interpret identity in their own way, posing essential questions:

"Who am I as an artist? What shapes my voice, my story, my practice? How do I position myself in today's Cambodia?"

The resulting creations – deeply personal, bold, and plural – weave a collective portrait of creative freedom, revealing the multiple layers of contemporary Khmer identity within a thriving cultural landscape. This open approach highlights the richness of a generation of artists navigating between ancestral traditions and unbridled modernity.​

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra: Cultural Oasis and Franco-Khmer Elegance

Nestled in the heart of Phnom Penh, where skyscrapers vie for height, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra offers a verdant oasis of palm trees, singing birds, and preserved colonial architecture, gracefully blending French elegance with Khmer heritage. Featuring 166 refined rooms and 35 luxurious suites, the hotel houses seven exceptional restaurants, from authentic Japanese flavors to French haute cuisine, surrounded by serene gardens near Phnom Penh's attractions. The Gallery, the exhibition's venue, embodies the establishment's cultural commitment, serving as a hub for artistic ideas and exchanges.​

Words of Commitment: Marc Emmanuel and Artistic Future

"This vernissage holds special meaning, as it is the first under my direction at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra," states Marc Emmanuel, General Manager.

He adds:

"Ekarieach All Stars beautifully reflects the spirit of creative freedom and individuality we support. Through these 26 artists and their visions of identity, we celebrate not only talent, but the richness, diversity, and evolving voice of Cambodian contemporary art."

These words underscore Sofitel's pivotal role as a cultural catalyst in a Cambodia experiencing an artistic renaissance.​

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra: Cultural Oasis and Franco-Khmer Elegance

Nestled in the heart of Phnom Penh, where skyscrapers vie for height, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra offers a verdant oasis of palm trees, singing birds, and preserved colonial architecture, gracefully blending French elegance with Khmer heritage. Featuring 166 refined rooms and 35 luxurious suites, the hotel houses seven exceptional restaurants, from authentic Japanese flavors to French haute cuisine, surrounded by serene gardens near Phnom Penh's attractions. The Gallery, the exhibition's venue, embodies the establishment's cultural commitment, serving as a hub for artistic ideas and exchanges.​

Practical Information and Invitation

The exhibition runs from January 20 to February 28, 2026, at The Gallery, daily from 8 AM to 10 PM, with free admission open to all. For hotel reservations, contact +855 23 999 200 or H6526@Sofitel.com; follow Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.