Emotive body of sculpture addresses South East Asia’s tragic legacy of landmines

(TRAVPR.COM) CAMBODIA - August 17th, 2010 - From 23 September - 3 November 2010, the pioneering Arts Lounge at Siem Reap’s renowned Hôtel de la Paix will host the Asia debut of Fragments, an evocative collection of sculptural works by renowned artist Blake. Inspired by landmine survivors, the exhibition will raise vital funds for mine clearance and survivor support in Cambodia - where up to six million landmines are thought to have been laid during three decades of civil war. With Indochina one of the most heavily mined regions in the world, the exhibition at Hôtel de la Paix’s Arts Lounge brings Fragments to its spiritual home for the first time, adding an unprecedented geographical context and direct relevance to the works.

Each of the 15 powerful bronze works is named after a type of landmine, and the collection is an emphatic denial of the glorification of war and commentary on the tragically destructive side of man. 30 per cent of sales prices will be donated to the Siem Reap-based NGO Cambodian Self Help Demining, founded by former child soldier Aki Ra, and will be used to help some of the 40,000 people in Cambodia thought to have lost limbs to landmines. Last year 243 people in Cambodia were killed or injured by explosive remnants of war (ERW), with around one third being children.

Says Blake, “This body of art speaks of a tragic nature in man and of our history, built upon the continuing cycle of wars. My sculpture has given me a voice that has led me to create an exhibition for the benefit of landmine clearance, and to raise awareness of the issue and mobilise action to support this cause. The Fragments exhibition provides a mechanism for the public, corporations and individuals to support the arts and to make a tangible contribution towards the solution of the problems caused by landmines and unexploded weapons.”

For further information visit www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com or call tel: +855 63 966 000. For further information on the artist visit www.blake-fragments.com or call tel: +1 30 62 92 96 48.

About Hôtel de la Paix
Located in the heart of Siem Reap, close to the cultural and historic heart of Cambodia, Hôtel de la Paix is a luxury boutique hotel within easy reach of colourful markets and vibrant nightlife; and just a few kilometres from the breathtaking temple complexes of Angkor Wat, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khmer culture is celebrated in every aspect of style and service at Hôtel de la Paix, from the Meric Restaurant, with its seasonally inspired local cuisine to the Arts Lounge, which pays tribute to Cambodian artists; and Spa Indochine, which offers signature traditional treatments. Each of Hôtel de la Paix’s 107 spacious, beautifully appointed en suite rooms features chic interiors and contemporary furnishings complimented by intricate wall mountings and handcrafted lamps, creating a balance between modern design and traditional detailing.

Hôtel de la Paix is operated by Ativa Hospitality, an experienced, Asian-based management company specialising in the development and management of independent deluxe boutique hotels. Ativa Hospitality currently manages properties in Thailand and Cambodia with project developments in Vietnam, Laos and India. For further information visit www.ativahospitality.com.

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