artist statement and inspiration

Mara (Sanskrit) ~ In Buddhist cosmology, Mara is associated with rebirth and desire.

Standing tall at 2m in height this sculptural masterpiece weighing in at 6.9 tons has been artistically created from centuries old Angkorian grey blue sandstone. Hand selected by the artist alongside his local master craftsmen for its incredible grain, colour and texture. The large 18 ton boulder was carefully and ethically sourced from a quarry situated in the historical Angkorian mountainous region of the Phrae Vihear province in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The vast freestanding work of art by Christian Develter has been inspired by Christian’s world acclaimed ‘Chin Series’ and meticulous carved out by a team of Khmer stone carvers building on ancient traditions and techniques going back to Angkorian times under the supervision of the Belgian born SE Asian artist. Taking his large scale works on canvas into the third dimension.

Christian’s ‘Chin Series’ is inspired by the beautiful & iconic Asian tribal women of the South East Asian Sino Tibetan ethnic group found in the remote Chin State of Myanmar. Their facial tattoos being a signature to their tribal identity and regional location.

This work of art by Christian is a homage to Siem Reap, it’s cultural heritage and the local craftsmen where he fondly calls home. His purpose built studio & residence is found nestled amongst the sprawling paddy fields a short drive from the city centre located close by an ancient Khmer Temple.