AsiaLIFE

Semi-abstract meets pop art at Belgian artist Christian Develter’s new exhibition at Chinese House. Words by Nora Lindstrom

Following a successful exhibition at the Hotel de la Paix in Siem Reap two years ago, Bangkok-based artist Christian Develter is back in Cambodia with a new exhibition at Chinese House in November. Having developed a soft spot for the country during his last visit, Christian says he didn’t think twice about returning. “As I learnt Cambodia is gearing up to be a regional art hub I thought [another exhibition] was an excellent idea,” adding that he hopes to contribute to getting Cambodia on the Asian art map.

Originally from Belgium, Christian as been living in Asia since 1996. Like so many others, he initially arrived in the region by accident, and then found it hard to leave. “I was in India first, and got enchanted by her colours and somehow lost the attraction of Europe,” Christian says. “Once I started travelling in the region it got into my blood and I’m still here. Asia gives me a much more global platform to showcase my work. Europe can be sometimes very suffocating and I don’t mean only the Belgian weather with its grey sky. Asia is the future and I love to be a part of it.”

His art reflects his passion for the region, with many of the subjects of his portraits and lithographs being distinctly Asian. “Asia is a very good place for me to be as I don’t seem to run out of inspiration in this part of the world,” he says. He adds that almost anything can trigger his inspiration, from a woman in the street to an old 30s postcard from Shanghai.

Christian’s upcoming exhibition at Chinese House was partly inspired by the building itself. The title of the show, “Chasing the Dragon”, a term with drug related connotations, is however somewhat misleading.  “When we chose the Chinese House as a setting for this show, I decided that my work had to be related to China and why not come up with icons such as Bruce Lee and Anna May Wong amongst others,” Christian explains.

“As Bruce Lee was picked up to be the leading painting for the announcement of the show, we watched some old movies such as the “Return of the Dragon“, and also noticed that he’s been popularly called the Dragon King. And so we came to ‘Chasing the Dragon’ expecting that it might attract the attention of people. So it’s a bit of a set-up that seems to work.”

The exhibition features Christian’s signature large paintings, in a style the artist describes as semi-abstract meets pop art.  “My paintings are mostly portraits with some abstract elements. By this I mean that some shapes, like clothes or jewellery, are simplified on purpose and when you would isolate these objects they look abstract,” he explains. “Pop on the other hand has a lot to do with my use of colour. I have a rather mathematical approach and like to use opposite colours next to each other.”

Though many of Christian’s artworks seem to celebrate the decadence and sophistication of a bygone era in Asia, the artist is excited about the future of the arts in the region. He notes how the growing Khmer middle class plays a role in developing the scene in Cambodia, partly by reconnecting with their past. “Let’s not forget that as close as into the sixties Cambodia was known as the Paris of the Far East and some of that feeling still lingers in the air,” Christian says. “I find Khmers very sensitive to art and I think it’s essential for the society here to have some beauty infused in order to compensate for the horrors of the past.”

Beyond the exhibition, Christian plans to continue his involvement in Cambodia. During his visit this month, the artist is also setting up a permanent exhibition at One Hotel Angkor in Siem Reap, and he intends to further develop relationships with galleries in Cambodia. Given his fondness for the country, exhibiting in Cambodia is for Christian more than just work. “It’s also a perfect excuse to spend more time here,” Christian concludes.

Chasing the Dragon will run at The Chinese House from Nov. 12 to 22.