A renowned artist is a creator whose signature style is instantly recognizable through their works. This is certainly true of Nou Sary. His unique style is characterized by bright colors and a flurry of brushstrokes reminiscent of 19th-century pointillism, conveying the density and movement of vegetation. It is truly his signature style.
His works describe natural landscapes in the Cambodian countryside. In the center, as if to attract the visitor's attention and finely detailed, are one or more characters, often animals, field workers in action, or fish sellers.
While Nou Sary's paintings focus on the lives of people in rural Cambodia, his style and technique are strongly influenced by Europe. He studied at the Saint-Étienne High School of Art and Design, France.
His works describe natural landscapes in the Cambodian countryside. In the center, as if to attract the visitor's attention and finely detailed, are one or more characters, often animals, field workers in action, or fish sellers.
While Nou Sary's paintings focus on the lives of people in rural Cambodia, his style and technique are strongly influenced by Europe. He studied at the Saint-Étienne High School of Art and Design, France.
Nou Sary's works remind me of one of my favorite paintings: Snow Landscapes by Amiet Cuno, dating from 1904 and exhibited at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
These works share many similarities. One of the hallmarks of Amiet Cuno's painting is its monumental size, a feature also found in Nou Sary's work, who paints on canvases that can reach two meters in width.
But the most striking element is the feeling of loneliness that emanates from the figure, accentuated by his small size in the center of a vast and depopulated landscape. The surrounding emptiness strengthens the feeling of isolation, while the fine, meticulous brushstrokes add depth to the scene, creating a subtle contrast between the precision of the artistic gesture and the silent immensity of the setting.
These works share many similarities. One of the hallmarks of Amiet Cuno's painting is its monumental size, a feature also found in Nou Sary's work, who paints on canvases that can reach two meters in width.
But the most striking element is the feeling of loneliness that emanates from the figure, accentuated by his small size in the center of a vast and depopulated landscape. The surrounding emptiness strengthens the feeling of isolation, while the fine, meticulous brushstrokes add depth to the scene, creating a subtle contrast between the precision of the artistic gesture and the silent immensity of the setting.
I particularly appreciate the innovation that Nou Sary brings to his works, notably through his use of a rare perspective: a 90-degree orthogonal view. It is as if we were observing the scene from the sky. Few painters explore this vertical dive, which gives the composition an almost cartographic dimension.
Added to this is a black halo framing the image, which further emphasizes the presence of the central subject, irresistibly drawing the eye towards it.
I recommend visiting Nou Sary's exhibition at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra: nothing can replace the experience of standing in front of the canvas itself. You can appreciate so much more than you can from a photograph—the details, the textures, the atmosphere... It is by taking the time to contemplate the work in person that its full power is revealed.
Added to this is a black halo framing the image, which further emphasizes the presence of the central subject, irresistibly drawing the eye towards it.
I recommend visiting Nou Sary's exhibition at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra: nothing can replace the experience of standing in front of the canvas itself. You can appreciate so much more than you can from a photograph—the details, the textures, the atmosphere... It is by taking the time to contemplate the work in person that its full power is revealed.
Free entry Until Mid September 2025 At The Gallery by Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra
Published date: 2025-09-12
