The art gallery at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra has opened a profoundly moving exhibition, Breath of the River, which brings together five talented artists from the celebrated Phare Ponleu Selpak arts school in Battambang.
Running from November 11 to January 5, 2026, the collection is a potent tribute to the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap Lake, portraying them not just as geographical features but as the “vital arteries of the nation’s heart and soul”.
The group show, featuring Channy Chhoeun, Chhorvorn Van, Sophy Sou, Kakada Soeurm and Hak Bor, uses vivid painting and mixed media to capture the beauty, fragility and cultural richness of these sacred waterways.
Beyond a mere celebration, “Breath of the River” confronts urgent environmental crises, acting as a crucial call for conservation and sustainability.
For Channy Chhoeun, an artist who once sketched in the dirt with a stick in his native Battambang, his art has become a powerful voice for the natural world.
A graduate of Phare Ponleu Selpak, his deeply emotional work centres on wildlife protection and ecological awareness.
He spoke frankly about the transformational power of art.
“Before I got seriously into art, I wasn’t interested in social issues. But I found painting to be a real eye-opener. When I started painting, I could feel myself changing — becoming more caring and positive,” he says.
“Thanks to art, I’ve turned into someone who pays much closer attention to social issues. I’ve grown to be really keen to know more about animals and the environment. I feel myself caring about these things more than ever,” he continues.
Fellow exhibitor Sophy Sou underscores the collection’s critical reflection on human impact. Currently an author, graphic designer and illustrator of children’s books, she believes the works are a direct commentary on the destruction she has witnessed:
“Each work of art represents a different narrative and meaning depending on the perception and ideology of the respective public. Can we coexist in peace and security, in harmony on our planet Earth?” she asks.
The personal histories of the artists lend remarkable depth to their work.
Hak Bor, who found healing in sculpture after being rescued from human trafficking, uses wood and stone carvings to explore trauma, strength and memory.
He is now an animator at Phare Creative Studio, crafting visual narratives that champion resilience and justice.
Similarly, Chhorvorn Van turned to art as salvation after a youth marked by hardship and trafficking; his internationally exhibited creations are known for their spiritual and emotionally raw symbolism.
Kakada Soeurm, who works with Room to Read, produces creative resources for Cambodian students.
His latest pieces use reclaimed wood to powerfully illustrate the profound link between people and the natural world.
Meanwhile, Sophy Sou, who originally aspired to be a dancer, now blends Khmer tradition with modern storytelling in her illustrations, and also mentors young artists.
Charles-Henri Chevet, area general manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, highlighted the hotel’s commitment to supporting this vital cultural platform.
“As a hotel deeply rooted in Khmer heritage and proudly committed to the arts, we believe it is our responsibility to support platforms that inspire dialogue and awareness.
“’Breath of the River’ not only showcases Cambodian talent but also reminds us of the lifelines we must protect for future generations,” he explains.
The exhibition is open to the public daily from 8am to 10pm at The Gallery within the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.
It offers guests and the public a chance to reconnect with Cambodia’s nature and heritage through the powerful, contemporary lens of these visionary artists.
