FONKI’s exclusive piece for the resort, titled ‘Enlightenment’, is a tribute to ancient Maldivian relics and nature.
(IN SHORT) Anantara Veli Maldives Resort welcomed Cambodian artist FONKi as its first Artist in Residence, where he created Enlightenment, an artwork inspired by Maldivian relics and coral reefs. FONKi, known for blending contemporary street art with Cambodian traditions, used his residency to explore and translate his experiences in paradise into a stunning piece that also benefits the Granny Programme of Cambodia Children’s Fund (CCF). FONKi’s limited-edition art prints, Behind The Smile and King Creator, were also featured, offering guests a chance to collaborate on art. The exhibition runs until December 31, 2025, marking a vibrant addition to the resort’s cultural offerings.
(PRESS RELEASE) BANGKOK, 2025-Apr-29 — /Travel PR News/ — Anantara Veli Maldives Resort has proudly hosted its first-ever Artist in Residence, renowned Cambodian artist FONKi. Known for blending contemporary street art with traditional Cambodian influences, FONKi was inspired by the resort’s stunning surroundings—endless blue horizons, sun-kissed shores, and vibrant underwater ecosystems—creating an exclusive artwork as part of his residency.
Born in Paris to Khmer refugee parents and raised in Montreal, FONKi is a dynamic artist, curator, and founder of the Murals for Cambodia Festival. He is also the owner of FT Gallery in Phnom Penh, where he has been instrumental in elevating local art and making Phnom Penh a hub for contemporary art in Southeast Asia. His artistic journey began in graffiti at age 15, and his passion for storytelling through art has since led him to produce murals admired across the world.
In 2012, FONKi’s transformative experience painting a mural to honor relatives lost in the Cambodian genocide inspired a deep dive into his heritage, culminating in his award-winning documentary The Roots Remain. This led to an immersion in post-genocide Cambodia’s artistic revival.
Full proceeds from the sale of ‘Enlightenment’ will benefit the Full proceeds from the sale of ‘Enlightenment’ will benefit the Granny Programme of the Cambodia Children’s Fund (CCF).
During his week-long residency at Anantara Veli, FONKi created the piece titled Enlightenment, a tribute to ancient Maldivian relics and nature. This diptych is inspired by a 10th-century Buddha statue made from coral stone, excavated in Thodoo Island in North Ari Atoll. FONKi’s work often incorporates statues as a subject, representing the enduring energy of historical artifacts. Enlightenment portrays the statue’s face on one side, with the other side reflecting the vibrant hues of the coral reefs, symbolizing the rebirth of nature after destruction.
“I filtered my experiences here in paradise and translated the colors into my piece,” FONKi said. “Through my artwork, I reflect the rehabilitation of coral reefs and the revival of nature in its true form.”
For FONKi, the residency was a chance for personal expression and artistic exploration. “It’s been six years since I last painted for myself. Here, I felt relaxed, and my art became more organic—reflected in the brush strokes, color choices, and movement.”
Committed to social impact, FONKi has pledged that full proceeds from the sale of Enlightenment will benefit the Granny Programme of Cambodia Children’s Fund (CCF). The non-profit organization provides education, housing, and care for vulnerable communities in Cambodia. This charitable gesture continues FONKi’s commitment to supporting his home country, following his Apsara Grannies project, a mural created in collaboration with photographer Raphaël Pech and fellow artist TONES, commissioned by the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Renowned for blending contemporary street art with traditional Cambodian influences, FONKi is the first Artist in Residence at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort..jpeg
In addition to the original piece, FONKi also showcased his limited-edition art prints Behind The Smile and King Creator, part of a triptych series inspired by King Jayavarman VII, one of the Khmer empire’s most powerful monarchs. These prints featured serene imagery of Jayavarman VII’s face, seen around Bayon Temple in Angkor. During the residency, guests were invited to collaborate with FONKi by adding their personal touch to the prints before taking home a piece of art.
FONKi’s exhibition is open to view at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort through December 31, 2025. The Artist in Residence program at Anantara Veli offers a unique opportunity for artists from around the world to create in a surreal, inspirational setting, adding an artistic dimension to the resort’s adults-only hideaway.
Media contacts:
Nicolette Ng
Marketing & Communications Manager
nng@anantara.com
Mark Thomson
Group Director of PR and Communications
mthomson@minor.com
+66 (0)2 365 7678
SOURCE: Minor Hotels
