OIA Gallery Contemporary Art from South-East Asia

OIA Gallery presents contemporary art from South-Est Asia. He is a newcomer at Parcours des Mondes and will highlight his masterpieces in our showcase.

Biography

A former official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I had the opportunity to live for several years in Australia and to travel frequently—both for professional and personal reasons—throughout Asia, Europe, and the Indian Ocean. These experiences have profoundly enriched me, both spiritually and personally, allowing me to discover cultures and territories of fascinating richness.

However, I quickly realized that, in the artistic field, some of these regions enjoy notable visibility—particularly in France—while others remain almost entirely absent from the international scene. This observation took on a special meaning during my first stay in Cambodia, the country of origin of my in-laws.

Scarred by a tragic history, Cambodia saw, during its civil war, the annihilation of almost all its artists and art teachers. The country’s artistic reconstruction, carried by a new generation, remains fragile and is little represented beyond its national borders, mainly limited to Asia. This situation deeply moved me and inspired me to take action. I felt an urgent need to defend this country so dear to me, to promote its artists and arts, and to contribute to its cultural revival by giving back a part of what it has already offered me.

After training with Stéphane Jacob-Langevin, a specialist in Aboriginal art, I brought this aspiration to life by founding Galerie Oia in 2023. This project reflects my values and commitments: a gallery open to Cambodia, but also to the whole of the Orient and the Eastern Hemisphere. It is as interested in ancient mythologies as in contemporary artistic creations, while distinguishing itself through its singular and nomadic essence.

Since its creation, Galerie Oia has expanded its horizons. Alongside the works of Cambodian artists, it now features pieces by Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Malaysian artists. More recently, a Taiwanese artist has joined our collection, reflecting our ongoing ambition: to discover and celebrate lesser-known talents, while building bridges between cultures and eras.