Illustrating how authentic indigenous experiences can be creatively enhanced by international flair, Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa in Siem Reap, Cambodia now proudly houses The McDermott Gallery, featuring an ethereal collection of Angkor monument images by the award-winning photographer John McDermott, who is also hosting guests for exclusive photography tours of these iconic UNESCO temple ruins.
The new gallery was recently launched at an exclusive opening event, attended by 50 of Siem Reap’s art and business community leaders, with Justin Pitt – General Manager of Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa and Robert Kunkler – COO of Minor Hotel Group welcoming the guest of honour John McDermott, who shared personal insights about his artworks which capture the mysterious majesty of Cambodia’s ancient Khmer temples.
John first came to Angkor in 1995 to witness a total eclipse of the sun. Inspired by the surreal light of the eclipse, he spent over a decade creating a definitive artistic portrait of the ancient Khmer temples before the arrival of tourism. These magical images reveal a hidden realm of Angkor temples lost in the forest, conjuring a 19th century explorer’s dream.
John’s evocative Angkor photography can be seen in his fine art book Elegy: Reflections on Angkor and at his galleries in Siem Reap. His images are on display at the National Museum in Phnom Penh and have been published and exhibited worldwide. His photographs are held in private collections worldwide and have been printed in numerous books and publications, including Time, Newsweek, The International Herald Tribune and The New York Times which calls John McDermott “the Ansel Adams of Angkor”, writing that his photographs are “not just beautiful but iconic. . . dreamlike photos which look as though they were taken in an ancient, forgotten world.”
Always in search of creative ways to showcase the unique heritage of Cambodia to the resort’s discerning guests, when Justin Pitt – General Manager of Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa met John at one of his exhibition’s in Siem Reap, he was so impressed by the iconic artistry that he suggested a new resort gallery be set up to display his works of art.
Housed in a setting that is perfectly suited to viewing and appreciating the dramatic photography, The McDermott Gallery is located on the second floor in an open air environment overlooking the resort’s beautiful front courtyard. All artworks on display at the gallery are available for sale.
Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa is also delighted to offer once in a lifetime Angkor photography tours with John McDermott for guests who aspire to take direction from this leading photographer. The new bespoke tours are available in half and full day schedules that are tailored to the personal interests and passions of each guest, whether they are a budding amateur or a more serious photographer who would relish the opportunity to capture magnificent images of these ancient ruins.
For more information, please contact Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa at
angkor@anantara.com or +855 63 966 788
