January 2025 - The Gallerist - Phnom Penh - Cambodia
A journey through colors and texture
Step into the extraordinary artistic world of Thang Sothea with his new exhibition THE KEEPERS.
Thang Sothea is well known for his innovative approach to art, which blends traditional craft with modern concepts of sustainability and spiritual reflection. His works focus on upcycling—the process of transforming everyday materials into new, meaningful creations.
Each of his creations is an experimentation through time, dimensions, and techniques, and the result is always of surprising creative power.
Inspiration:
Sothea draws deep inspiration from personal experiences and a reflection on the transformative journey of the self. After the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, he found solace in the concept of the cocoon, representing a retreat, safety, and self-care, where the soul could undergo introspection and renewal.
This idea is woven throughout the exhibition, from the shape and form of the works to the symbolism of the cocoon as a place of quiet transformation.
The works evoke the delicate process of metamorphosis, akin to the growth of a butterfly, metal spheres symbolizing the heart and soul, and the vibrant colors of nature's palette.
One of his signature techniques involves upcycling sarong fabric into new forms of art. This act of transformation is more than just about reusing materials; it’s a way to give new life to fabric that carries cultural significance, imbuing the artwork with a sense of continuity and renewal. The use of sarong fabric, a traditional garment often worn by family members ties this theme back to his cultural roots.
Sothea's process involved extensive research and sketching, carefully considering how to dress each figure, while experimenting with colors, shapes, and textures that echoed his connection to nature.
Another key element of Sothea's “The Keepers” is his inspiration from divinities, family, and spiritual relations between people and the unseen.
The exhibition is structured around the theme of 12, representing the 12 months, 12 hours, and the 12 astrological signs. This numerology adds layers of complexity, creating a sense of cyclical time and spiritual alignment.
Sothea’s sculptures are filled with a sense of freedom and exploration. His creativity mixed with architectural influences allows him to animate traditional materials and natural forms in new ways, connecting audiences with history and finding new uses of space.
About the artist THANG Sothea:
Born in a small village in Kampong Cham in 1983, Thang Sothea spent the first ten years of his life in a tight-knit community where life was simple yet full of challenges. Thang graduated in 2009 from Norton University with a Bachelor Degree of Architecture & Urban Planning and started as an architect in a French firm in Phnom Penh.In parallel, he started to work as a self-taught artist whose work spans various mediums, including painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture.
Sothea’s approach to creation is driven by a desire to push boundaries. Each piece he worked on is complex, requiring years of honing skills and mastering materials. For him, the process is never quick or easy; every piece is a challenge, requiring deep reflection and careful consideration. He enjoys seeing things from different perspectives, often turning ideas and concepts upside down to discover new ways of thinking.
Art explorer and multi-faceted artist, Thang Sothea opens a dialogue between architecture and fine art. His work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, earning him awards and recognition as an influential figure in contemporary Cambodian art.
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