If you know anything about The Aviary Hotel, we want it to be this: we love to support local crafts and firmly believe they hold far more meaning than any mass-produced item. This sentiment is exactly what brought us to Jayav Art in the first place.

Jayav Art is our source for all things papier-mâché. With papier-mâché birds stationed throughout our hotel, we believe these sculptures bring life to our property in a way nothing else can.

Who’s Behind Jayav Art?

There just so happens to be a name behind Jayav Art, and it’s Philippe Brousseau. He’s a renowned French artist who made all of our papier-mâché birds that currently reside throughout the hotel.

Brousseau believes in the process of crafting art with a conscious. He focuses on an eco-friendly approach, realizing that every step he takes affects the planet and the people on it.

This awareness is also why Brousseau offers jobs to Cambodian individuals. He’s got the whole picture in mind and refuses to take any shortcuts.

Art with Eco In Mind

An eco-aware artist, Brousseau has planted his sustainable morals firmly into his work with Jayav Art. All sculptures are entirely handmade using recycled paper and vegetable fiber. These materials allow the structure to retain its strength without sacrificing its lightweight nature.

As it turns out, these environmental touches are just as pragmatic as they are sustainable. With such featherweight art, travelers can easily carry the creations back home in their luggage without fear of going over weight restrictions at the airport!

A Khmer Essence to Go Along

Jayav Art’s papier-mâché creations are inspired by Khmer traditional paper masks from the Ramayana, the works of which are unique to Cambodia itself.

Jayav Art crafts more than just the birds (and elephants and fish) you see at The Aviary Hotel. They sell sculptures of typical Khmer art statues, lacquered elephants, pig-carrying motorcycles and other widely used Cambodian motifs. They make for one-of-a-kind souvenirs that eclipse the fridge magnet standard by a landslide.

Considering that so many of Cambodia’s artists were massacred in recent decades, Brousseau’s efforts to enhance the Cambodian art scene (with the help of Cambodian hands themselves, no less) is all the more important. His homage to these paper masks is a beautiful sentiment, and one we’re eager to support time and time again.

A Bird Theme Going Strong

Our love for birds is all the name. After all, we didn’t choose The Aviary Hotel, The Flock Cafe and even Plumage Restaurant for nothing. Our Jayav Art papier-mâché bird statues are evidence that we’re all in on this flying thing.

You’re bound to find handcrafted bird art in the lobby, your luxurious room, The Glide Bar and even The Flock Cafe. Jayav Art joins other majestic sculptures for a bird theme that knows no bounds.

Head to the Jayav Art Gallery to See More

Located in Siem Reap’s Charming City, the Jayav Art Gallery might as well be a museum experience. There, you’ll encounter a range of creations, the lot of which go far beyond aviary imagery. Many people are surprised when they pick up one of his works due to its seemingly stone facade and utterly lightweight feel.

Head downtown to browse, shop and chat with Brousseau himself. While you’re there, perhaps you can let him know that his papier-mâché work sure makes The Aviary Hotel pop.