Romeet opening

This painting by Sin Rithy, a portrait specialist, instantly reminded me of Tuol Sleng

I popped into the opening party for the Romeet gallery this evening, as did hundreds of others, all keen to see the works of art from the students of Phare Ponleu Selpak, the aristic school in Battambang that is causing a stir or two these days. It's a professional visual arts space on St 178, suitably close to the Fine Arts campus, that will house mainly contemporary artworks, paintings and sculptures, from the current and former students, and provide somewhere where they can sell their product. Previously, anyone interested in seeing and purchasing their art needed to travel to their Battambang headquarters. Greeting visitors tonight was a circus show in the street, PPS is also known for its fabulous circus entertainment as well as its art, and some live painting exhibitions. Judging by the heaving bodies in the gallery, interest in art is very much alive and well in Phnom Penh.

A double artwork by Battambang artist Pen Robit, who has exhibited in Thailand and France

Live painting on the street welcomed guests