Happy Painting: The Joyful Art of Stef at Plantation Resort
STÉPHANE DELAPRÉE, better known as Stef, has become a familiar figure in the Cambodian art world, thanks to his radiant and imaginative work known as Happy Painting.
This October and November, Phnom Penh’s Plantation Resort will feature Stef’s art in an exhibition that promises a unique experience for both locals and visitors alike.
“I have always lived day to day far from my usual pattern, and that suits me,” Stef shared when reflecting on his artistic journey. “I am a self-made artist. There was no beginning, no end—I have always drawn. And death will surely find me painting.”
His creations are often described as “feel-good” art, crafted with a blend of childlike innocence and refined technique. Through his vibrant use of color and free-form style, Stef conveys not only beauty but also a profound sense of optimism and comfort. His work is a reminder of the world’s fragility and wonder, which connects deeply with the viewer.
International art experience
Born in France and raised in Canada, Stef’s journey to Happy Painting was far from conventional. He started in the comic strip industry, publishing and illustrating for magazines. However, a transformative visit to a Crayola kids’ painting exhibition in New York in 1992 sparked a turning point. The spontaneous creativity he saw in children’s artwork inspired him to create Happy Painting, a style that captures the world through the eyes of a child, using bold colors and free-spirited forms.
After refining his style in Costa Rica, where themes of simplicity and everyday joy began to take shape in his work, Stef moved to Cambodia in the 1990s. Since then, his paintings have become iconic in the country’s art scene. Unbound by institutions, Stef paints with freedom and passion, using color as his primary medium of expression. As he puts it, “In my artworks, color is not just a visual element but a language in itself. I use color to convey a sense of joy, movement, and harmony.”
Stef’s independent spirit and optimistic outlook have resonated with audiences both in Cambodia and around the world. His work has been showcased internationally, and collectors from Europe to Asia have been drawn to the joyful simplicity and emotional depth of his paintings. Reflecting on the impact of his art, Stef says, “For years I have met foreigners who tell me that for them Happy Paintings represent Cambodia. It is this image that they keep from their visit to the land of wonders.”
Contribution to Cambodia
Stef’s contributions to Cambodian art have been widely recognized. In 1995, he was honored by King Norodom Sihanouk for his cultural impact on the country, and in 2008, his Happy Painting Gallery received “Gold Status” from the Ministry of Tourism. Stef is proud of the positive image his work brings to Cambodia, a country whose international image has often been overshadowed by its past. “My most rewarding project was to help delete that old image of sadness, poverty, and the Khmer Rouge. Instead, I wanted to offer an image of happiness and smiling people through my simple-to-decode happy paintings.”
At the upcoming exhibition at Plantation Resort, visitors can expect to be immersed in the joyful universe Stef has created. Each piece offers a window into his optimistic view of the world, where the simplicity of life is celebrated with vibrant hues and boundless imagination.
For Stef, painting is not just a profession; it is a necessary and joyful act. “I don’t think we can talk about passion but of necessity and the joy of the action of doing,” he says. And as for what keeps him going, he adds with a smile, “Life is wonderful!”
If you’re in Phnom Penh, don’t miss the chance to experience Stef’s Happy Painting at Plantation Resort.
 | Cambodia |
 | https://theplantation.asia/ |
 | +855 23 215 151 |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
