Enter a world of dreams at Hôtel de la Paix, Siem Reap (Cambodia)
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Enter a world of dreams at Hôtel de la Paix, Siem Reap (Cambodia)
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Category: Asia Pacific - Cambodia
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2011-06-30
New Arts Lounge exhibition explores parallels between reality and dream world
8 September 2011, Siem Reap’s iconic Hôtel de la Paix plays host to We Live Inside A Dream, the latest in an exciting programme of art exhibitions at its pioneering gallery, The Arts Lounge. Bringing together the work of two edgy self-taught artists, US-educated Khmer artist Chath Piersath and Brit Nic Grey - a hero of 90’s London’s underground comic book scene and co-producer of the legendary Watermelon comic - We Live Inside A Dream uses symbolism and imagery to create a sense of unreality, and explores the idea that the real world is effectively a creation of our minds.
Born in London and raised in Brighton, Nic Grey rose to prominence in the 1990’s as a comic artist working under the name Dead Nic, and exhibited via the London agency du jour, Britart. Now living permanently in Cambodia, Nic’s work is infused with dark humour and a sense of the supernatural, reflecting his interest the ritual of religion, while the use of formal positioning and symbolic props can be traced back to his fascination with old Indian photographs.
After a childhood defined by the Khmer Rouge regime, Chath Piersath discovered that art enabled him to channel his emotions, reconnect fractured memories, and make sense of himself and the world around him. Pervading all of his work is a belief in the importance of acknowledging the ongoing legacy of suffering left by Cambodia’s troubled past, in order to promote awareness and empathy. Having fled his homeland for the US at the age of 10, Chath is determined to challenge what he sees as established norms of behaviour which are negatively impacting on Cambodia – some of his works can make uncomfortable viewing for Khmer audiences, demonstrating that the healing process is still ongoing, and that more needs to be done.
Located in the centre of Siem Reap, close to the cultural and historic heart of Cambodia, every aspect of style and service at Hôtel de la Paix is informed by Khmer culture, from seasonally inspired local cuisine at signature restaurant Meric, to Spa Indochine’s traditional treatments using local herbs and flowers. Committed to nurturing the burgeoning Cambodian art scene, the Arts Lounge is the cultural and social heart beat of the hotel, offering an ever-changing exhibition space dedicated to showcasing the rich heritage of Khmer culture and offering a living laboratory for its creative future.
About Hôtel de la Paix
Located in the heart of Siem Reap, close to the cultural and historic heart of Cambodia, Hôtel de la Paix is a luxury boutique hotel within easy reach of colourful markets and vibrant nightlife; and just a few kilometres from the breathtaking temple complexes of Angkor Wat, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khmer culture is celebrated in every aspect of style and service at Hôtel de la Paix, from the Meric Restaurant, with its seasonally inspired local cuisine to the Arts Lounge, which pays tribute to Cambodian artists; and Spa Indochine, which offers signature traditional treatments. Each of Hôtel de la Paix’s 107 spacious, beautifully appointed en suite rooms features chic interiors and contemporary furnishings complimented by intricate wall mountings and handcrafted lamps, creating a balance between modern design and traditional detailing.
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