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Dear friends,This Valentine’s Day, I’m inviting you on a journey—one that starts in the heart of Cambodia’s Golden Era and winds its way to the wide-open skies of Dimboola, Australia. It’s a place where art, music, and wild imagination come together, and I promise you, it’s worth the trip.
At 7 PM on February 14th, the Dimboola Shire Hall will transform into something extraordinary—a hub of color, culture, and cosmic vibes with my exhibition, Sticky Fingers Art Prints Cambodia. This show is a love letter to the legends of 1960s Cambodia—Sinn Sisamouth, Ros Sereysothea, and Pan Ron—blended with global pop culture icons like Elvis and Andy Warhol.
Speaking of Warhol, one of my favorite pieces in the show is the Mara print—a tribute to a Cambodian dancer sketched by a young Andy in New York. It’s a snapshot of two worlds colliding, and it feels like the perfect metaphor for what we’re building here with Sticky Fingers Art Prints Cambodia.
Why Dimboola? It’s got this energy—raw, real, and full of potential. It’s the home of Sidney Nolan (Australia’s answer to Picasso) and my next big adventure: a feature film called Doin’ Alright in Dimboola. Proceeds from this exhibition will help fund the movie and support young Cambodian artists at the Fish Island Community Arts Centre to gain digital media art production skills.
So, why not make a road trip out of it? Come for the art, stay for the inspiration, and soak up the magic of a town that’s turning into Australia’s new art mecca.
I’d love to see you there. Let’s make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable.
February 14th, 7 PM | Dimboola Shire Hall
All the best,
Julien
Sticky Fingers Art Prints Cambodia: A Cosmic Journey in Pop Art Screen Prints
On Valentine’s Day, Friday 14th, the Dimboola Shire Hall will become a vibrant epicenter of art, culture, and cinematic ambition with the launch of Sticky Fingers Art Prints Cambodia. Curated by the Imaginarium, this evocative exhibition celebrates the dazzling pop art of Julien Poulson, blending retro aesthetics with contemporary storytelling. It also marks the official launch of a bold campaign to fund Poulson’s feature film project, Doin’ Alright in Dimboola, set to be shot in and around this iconic Australian town.
About Sticky Fingers Art Prints Cambodia
What began as a small screenprinting initiative to create psychedelic visuals for The Cambodian Space Project has evolved into an internationally celebrated art project. Founded by Julien Poulson, Sticky Fingers captures the spirit of Cambodia’s "Golden Era" of the 1960s—a time when rock’n’roll, fashion, and cinema flourished. The limited-edition screenprints juxtapose this vibrant past with the cultural revival of modern Cambodia, celebrating the resilience and creativity of its people.
These prints honor legends like Sinn Sisamouth, Ros Sereysothea, and Pan Ron, whose music was nearly erased during the Khmer Rouge era. At the same time, they pay homage to global icons such as Elvis Presley and Iggy Pop, merging East and West in a kaleidoscope of colors and imagery.
A standout piece in the collection is the "Mara" print, which depicts one of the first Cambodian dancers to perform in New York. It celebrates a pivotal moment when a young Andrew Warhola—later known as Andy Warhol, the father of Pop Art—sketched Mara as she danced, inspired by her ethereal presence. Poulson’s Mara print is a tribute to both the dancer and the artist, encapsulating their shared moment of creative energy with the sentiment: "It takes two to tango."
The Exhibition
This special exhibition features over 20 of Poulson’s striking designs, each offering a dreamlike journey through the psychedelic sounds and surreal imagery of 1960s Phnom Penh. Highlights include:
"Galaxy Khmer": A psychedelic ode to Cambodia’s vibrant music scene.
"Space Apsara": A cosmic reimagining of Cambodia’s celestial dancers.
"The Golden Voice": A radiant tribute to Ros Sereysothea, the voice of Cambodia.
"Bang Bang: My Baby Shot Me Down": A bold portrayal of Pan Ron’s audacious spirit.
The event also supports the next generation of Cambodian artists working at the Fish Island Community Arts Centre, where Sticky Fingers continues to provide training and opportunities. Proceeds from the exhibition will help fund Poulson’s film and enable young Cambodian artists to showcase their designs at the Wimmera Steampunk Festival.
The Film: Doin’ Alright in Dimboola
At the heart of this initiative is Julien Poulson’s upcoming feature film, Doin’ Alright in Dimboola. Blending dark comedy, rural charm, and cosmic chaos, the story follows Ranjit Devi, a lovable yet hapless dreamer from India. Ranjit’s quiet life in Dimboola takes a wild turn when he encounters two runaway sisters, Emma and Leanne, who are fleeing from a dangerous tobacco smuggler known as The Bulgarian.
The chaos intensifies when Leanne steals a prized Chihuahua from Tiffany Weng, a ruthless Chinese art dealer searching for a lost Sidney Nolan painting rumored to be hidden in Dimboola. With an eccentric cast of locals—including Marj, a sharp-tongued postal clerk, and Stew, a stoner mechanic who insists Ranjit’s car has “cosmic powers”—Ranjit devises an outrageous plan: a Bollywood Cosplay party to raise funds for the sisters' escape.
The film, inspired by classics like Fargo, Muriel’s Wedding, and Breaking Bad, promises humor, heart, and cosmic twists. Poulson is currently in Dimboola during the Agricultural Society Show, drawing inspiration from the town’s unique atmosphere and characters. Rumor has it that The Cambodian Space Project and First Nations rapper Prodikal-1 might make a cameo as the wedding band.
Julien Poulson: The Visionary Behind the Art and Film
Julien Poulson is a multi-disciplinary artist, filmmaker, and cultural advocate. His creative journey began with a fascination for Super 8 filmmaking during his college years, leading to a career as an art director and producer of countless music videos. His passion for storytelling resurfaced with Sumatra, an award-winning short film shot in Darwin. This was followed by Flicker & Fade, a collaboration with Mark Roy that premiered at the 70th Cannes International Film Festival.
During COVID-19, Poulson co-wrote the musical play The Road to Tibooburra and directed the short film Space Junk! on Super 8. He is currently developing a documentary on The Cambodian Space Project and Doin’ Alright in Dimboola. Beyond filmmaking, Poulson dedicates his time to teaching young Cambodian artists through the Fish Island Community Arts Centre, fostering creativity across borders.
Why Dimboola?
Poulson’s connection to Dimboola is serendipitous. While researching for his film, he discovered one of his Sticky Fingers prints in the Cambodia Room at the Dimboola Imaginarium, acquired by local art enthusiasts Chan and Jamie. Their support cemented his decision to collaborate with the town, whose rich arts history and cinematic legacy make it an ideal backdrop for his next creative chapter.
Exhibition Details
When: Valentine’s Day, Friday 14th February, 7 PM
Where: Dimboola Shire Hall (next to the library)
What: A dazzling collection of Sticky Fingers prints, live music, and the launch of Doin’ Alright in Dimboola.
Support the Vision
The Sticky Fingers Art Prints Cambodia exhibition is more than an art showcase—it’s a celebration of cross-cultural creativity and ambition. By purchasing a print, you’re not only supporting the production of an exciting new film but also empowering young Cambodian artists to share their talents on the global stage.
This Valentine’s Day, immerse yourself in the cosmic world of Sticky Fingers and be part of an initiative that bridges art, music, and film across cultures. Dimboola is ready for its cinematic debut—are you?
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Shire of Dimboola, Dimboola,VIC,Australia, Horsham
