Phnom Penh & Exhibition: Séra Ing, “a visionary artist whose work transcends borders and time”

Christophe Gargiulo
12 hours ago
2 min read

Last night, the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra unveiled its 32nd exhibition at The Gallery, showcasing “April Rains” by internationally renowned Franco-Cambodian artist Séra Ing.

Séra Ing doing “live painting” before the opening

April Rains is a poignant collection largely inspired by the artist's personal history and collective memory. Séra blends Western and Khmer influences to produce intense works that echo themes of loss, resilience, and hope.

Regarding this exhibition, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the fall of Phnom Penh, the artist explains:

“I have always alternated between comics and painting, and other forms of expression such as sculpture and engraving throughout my artistic career. I have always alternated between the two. This corresponds to strong inner needs and these are things that cannot be calculated, they impose themselves. ”

"So this is an exhibition that revolves around the evocation of April 17, 1975. And in this context, I am presenting paintings that I have done over the past 15 years or so, which all relate to memory, ghostly forms, Khmer culture, and ultimately the permanence of life, despite everything that has happened."

Many people gathered to admire the artist's work

On his technique, Séra Ing confides:

“I often express myself in a polyphonic way, that is, with different materials. There is always a base, and then I finish the painting at night once everything is dry. So there are several layers, several strata, but there are also works done in pure graphite, like these two large primitive temples over there. It's also a way of saying that you can work in a very personal way to express strong emotions.”

“I think I've gained some perspective on the tragic events of our history. I don't forgive. I'm very attached to ensuring that this page of history is not truncated or distorted by ideological interpretations that still persist, particularly among French researchers. So there's still a lot of work to be done to better restore these events.”

Born in Cambodia in 1961, Séra Ing was forced to flee Phnom Penh with his family in 1975 after the Khmer Rouge came to power. Now living in Paris, he is a painter, sculptor, performer, and author of graphic novels. His work has been widely exhibited in Europe and Asia, and he is best known in Cambodia for creating To Those Who Are No Longer Here, the first memorial dedicated to the victims of the Khmer Rouge.

“We are honored to collaborate with Sera Ing, a visionary artist whose work transcends borders and time.”

“Through this exhibition, we are continuing our mission to offer our guests and the local community enriching cultural experiences that inspire connection and reflection,” said Charles-Henri Chevet, General Manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.

All paintings in the exhibition are available for purchase and can be shipped internationally.