ArtDeli 2

Finally after almost 2 years since we boarded up the ArtDeli after property prices at the Alley West (an alley we named!) soared to an all time high, we found a new home to the pop-up shop which has always held a unique spot in our hearts... We opened the new ArtDeli with my own solo exhibition (the day after my birthday) at a smaller but still quirky corner at a small hidden alley which we christened the Alley of Ghosts!

ART BATTLE at the Alley West

Got a challenge from Jam last week to participate in an "ART BATTLE" of sorts with the other artists in town. We were given the "holidays" as theme for our pieces and were each given a week to complete. Art Deli sponsored the competition.


I did an installation + performance called "Borderline Precious". It was my reaction towards how the festive season is celebrated across borders and how each culture, tradition and religion redefines Christmas to suit their beliefs.


Jam on the other hand, did a three piece work called iBuddha and iJesus, made on his ipad.


Mike Mahalo, a British artist, tackled the rapid commercialization of the holiday season and entitled his digital art piece "Chri$tma$".


Cambodian artist Savann Oun made a three dimensional piece made of mesh wire, a painting on a woven mat, candles and mosquito coils to depict "Christmas garbage", seeing how people would celebrate the holidays for months and end up with a pile of trash. His piece is a reaction as a Buddhist to an otherwise Christian celebration.


The main objective of the Art Battle is to resuscitate a dark, neglected part of the Alley West and turn it into a street gallery for the public. Another Art Battle is scheduled next month but with a different set of mechanics.

To vote for your favorite piece, please go to www.facebook.com/artdeli and click on "like" corresponding to the photos of the pieces that you love.

spontaneous music at artdeli

That's it. The Phnom Penh Post just called me the most eccentric man in Siem Reap in their latest issue. Does that mean I have to go around town in plaids and bowtie, sporting a Brit accent? I feel like I have to live to the hype. Maybe I could suspend myself in a tank of formaldehyde ala Damien Hirst too.

Forget that. What they really wrote about was the spontaneous music happening at the Art Deli, my newest baby with my friend Jam. For the past couple of weeks, we've been churning out instant gigs and jamming sessions with musicians in the kingdom...




Our first two jamming sessions were with Cambojam - already a known name in the music circuit here.

Then came the Siem Reap Jazz Quartet, which coincidentally was officially formed at the Art Deli. Their impromptou performances made such waves that the national dailies even took notice!

And our latest gig last week was an acoustic session with a guitarist from Quebec - Frederic, who brought down the house, almost literally. It was an absolute fun enjoying music with these guys.

This Saturday, we'll have the Siem Reap Jazz Quartet back again for the launch of Earth Organic Jewelry at the Art Deli.

Can't wait!

my hiatus ends!

Yes, I'm still alive! And I haven't disappeared from the face of the web... instead, I've sort of silenced my way into making a bang!

I've been working on the following websites for myself, for my business collaborations, and even for my city - Siem Reap, with the help of several amazing individuals!

www.lovenramos.com - my personal voyages through photography

www.artdeli.org - my new cafe/gallery project in collaboration with my friend Jam from Canada

www.siemreaplife.com - the city's first online portal. A collaboration with two amazing friends - Sarah and Philippe that has ballooned into a really fun project involving a dozen other bloggers around Cambodia's premiere holiday gateway.

www.youaremypoetry.com - my friend Don and I put up an Aladdin Cave of sorts (according to Phnom Penh Post) and this is it... this is still a work in progress!

www.spoolworks.net - still not live, but am working on this site day and night. This is my main business bloodline!

We will be launching our city's blog/website, www.siemreaplife.com in a fun party on Sunday, July 25 at the Alley West during the country's first ever Green Market - an organic fair!