Splashes of electric yellow, thick strokes of brown and sponge prints layered the canvas last night at a live painting event organized by local fashion designer Remy Hou and contemporary artists Janneke Hoogstratten and Chelsea Middendorf.
The three decided to collaborate on the event, titled “The Bridge,” in an attempt to forge a link between conventional and contemporary art.
About 40 guests—both artists and not—were asked to take inspiration from the traditional works of Din Borin, Chhim Sothy and Ouk Chim Vichet, which are on display at the Hou Lounge at Mito Hotel, and “live paint” as a collective.
“Whatever they put on those canvases will speak a lot to how successful or unsuccessful our goal was,” said Ms. Middendorf, 26, from Chicago.
Vatey Tan, a 22-year-old artist and designer from Phnom Penh who helped organize the event, said the goal was to create a space where everyone felt comfortable.
“The guests come and paint all together,” she said. “Even if they’re not artists and even if they’ve never painted before.” Last night’s creation will be on display through November 28.
