When kites dance with Khmer yantras: an invitation to a spiritual journey in Phnom Penh

A unique exhibition opens its wings to the public, blending ancestral mysticism with contemporary creativity. Entitled When Kites Meet Khmer Yantras, this artistic event invites visitors to discover the fascinating world of yantras — ancient protective diagrams from Khmer culture — delicately painted on handmade kites, according to craft traditions deeply rooted in rural Cambodia.

The event, which runs until 5 October 2025, finds its ideal setting in the refined and inspiring atmosphere of the Gaato Café des Arts, a place where art meets conviviality in a bright and contemporary setting. This combination of innovative artistic programming and a convivial atmosphere creates a space for exchange and emotion, at the heart of the cultural dynamic of the Cambodian capital.

A spiritual quest carried by kites

French artist Yann Defond is the soul of this exhibition. His work is part of a dialogue between tradition and modernity. Inspired by yantras, which originated in Brahmanic traditions and were later integrated into Khmer spirituality, he revisits these complex symbolic motifs, adapting them to a seemingly light and playful form: the kite.

Yantras, used for centuries as protective talismans, combine Brahmanic symbols, Pali-Khmer letters linked to Buddhism, and figures from the Reamker, the Cambodian epic inspired by the Ramayana. These motifs, which once adorned sacred stones, metals and fabrics, now blow on kites made of jute, rattan, oiled kraft paper and natural glue, carefully produced in the provinces of Cambodia.

The exhibition is not only visual: it is an invitation to meditate and open one's eyes to the invisible richness of Khmer beliefs and practices. Although the yantras on the kites are not ‘activated’ as monks or healers would do, they carry a powerful symbolic charge, revealing a subtle balance between aesthetics and spirituality.

Gaato Café des Arts, a showcase of inspiration

Located within the Aquation Office Park on Koh Pich Island, the Gaato Café des Arts is a new destination for lovers of contemporary art and culture in Phnom Penh. This innovative space combines a café, art gallery and craft shop, offering a warm and elegant setting to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee, leaf through a book or simply soak up a work of art.

Designed as a place for meetings and exchanges, Gaato Café des Arts offers a carefully selected range of drinks, pastries and snacks, ideal for accompanying artistic or business breaks. Its walls regularly host exhibitions by contemporary Cambodian artists, contributing to the influence of the local cultural scene.

With its bright atmosphere and intimate spaces dedicated to meetings or moments of relaxation, Gaato Café des Arts goes beyond the simple function of a café, becoming a true hub of creative innovation, perfect for hosting events such as this unique exhibition.

A lively dialogue between past and present

When Kites Meet Khmer Yantras conveys a modern vision of cultural transmission. Through this fusion of traditional and contemporary art, Yann Defond offers a vibrant tribute to Khmer heritage while placing it in the context of current artistic trends.

This rare exhibition in Phnom Penh offers an immersive experience, where visitors can not only admire the finesse of the pieces, but also feel the soul of ancestral Cambodia carried on the wind, vibrating to the rhythm of the present. It is this poetic breath, a blend of history, art and spirituality, that gives the event its power and uniqueness.