April 2024
Sara Gregor
Hao Taing
Gabriella Sour
My Soul of Gold
ABOUT
At the heart of this exhibition is ព្រលឹងមាសអើយ (prolung measa aey), which translates to Golden Soul—a 17th-century Khmer poem written by Preah Reaj Somphear, a king in exile. In Khmer, this register of royal speech is rarely spoken today, yet it lives on—felt in the body, preserved in ritual, remembered in silence. Though the language may seem distant, it holds deep significance to our heritage. This is love as reverence. Love as offering. Love as what we cannot say, but still carry.
Composed in rhythmic, elevated language reserved for royalty and sacred expression, the poem is both intimate and formal, delicate and enduring. While addressed to a princess, it speaks to something greater: the beauty of nature, the longing of the soul, and a divine love that transcends form. This poem is a piece of our heritage—its spirit at the center of this exhibition, reminding us of what is sacred, enduring, and still waiting to be spoken.
Much is lost in translation. And still, we try. Like gold filling the cracks of broken pottery, My Soul of Gold is not a direct translation, but a reflection—a way of expressing what cannot fully be said. In this exhibition, each artist brings their own golden soul forward, not to recreate the poem, but to echo its spirit: Hao’s wisdom through fracture and repair, Gabriella’s movement through classical dance, and Sara’s meditative reinterpretation of sacred forms.
Gold appears not only in image and metaphor, but in form: in jewelry, crowns, silk, and spirit. Cambodians have long adorned themselves in gold for weddings, rituals, and celebration. Our temples shimmer with it. And now, we reclaim it—not only as beauty, but as livelihood, memory, and belonging.
People-First Approach
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Reliability You Can Count On
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A Focus on Quality
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People-First Approach · Reliability You Can Count On · A Focus on Quality ·
The Artists
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Sara Gregor
Sara Gregor is a Cambodian-American artist, writer, and educator whose interdisciplinary practice explores memory, ritual, and cultural identity. Grounded in Buddhist philosophy and Southeast Asian visual traditions, her work engages themes of healing and the sacred through painting, writing, and community storytelling.
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Hao Taing
Hao Taing is a photographer, a marketer, and the visionary founder of the international non-profit, Local4Local. With a mission to catalyze kindness, Local4Local is a grassroots 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to uplifting the lives of cyclo drivers and informal workers in Cambodia; emphasizing on alleviating food hunger and promoting community tourism. As a creative at heart, Hao also co-founded Feel The Warmth, an artist-led initiative behind the heartfelt projects including Apsara Granny, and the Cyclo King. A proud graduate of the University of Minnesota in Marketing, Hao currently works with the Brand and Marketing team the Minnesota Star Tribune.
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Gabriella Sour
Gabriella Sour is a Cambodian dancer whose artistry is rooted in the centuries-old traditions of Khmer dance while embracing the evolving landscape of Cambodian performance arts. As a specialist in the female role (Neang), she brings a refined grace and deep cultural reverence to her performances. Gabriella began her training at the age of twelve and has since dedicated herself to preserving and advancing Cambodian classical dance. She currently serves as a principal dancer and operations manager of Wattanak Dance Troupe, Gabriella is involved in shaping the troupe's artistic and organizational direction. Her performances have been featured widely across Minnesota and in Lowell, Massachusetts, with The Reachany Project and Urban Khmer Ballet.
WHAT SETS US APART
Integrity, creativity, and empathy shape the way we work. These aren't just words—they’re the foundation of everything we build. We believe in doing great work, building real relationships, and making it easy for you to get the results you’re looking for.
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