ART

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PHATARAWADEE PHATARANAWIK

THE NATION

An astonishing array of Thai art since 1946 awaits appraisal all in one place

BANGKOK: -- Seven decades of Thai art go on display in the grand exhibition "Thai Trends from Localism to Internationalism", affording an unprecedented opportunity for critical appraisal.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has financed the Bt40-million show of more than 300 paintings, sculptures, installations, mixed-media works, photography and videos by 200 Thai artists and a dozen foreigners based in Thailand.

"The show covers the different facets in the history and development of the Thai art during the past seven decades under the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand's 'Supreme Artist', from 1946 to the present," says chief curator Professor Apinan Poshyananda.

Apinan had initially planned to exhibition the King's own art but some of them are currently being restored. They'll instead be reviewed in a video presentation.

"The exhibition includes rarely seen works that we've borrowed from many Thai collectors and from galleries abroad," Apinan says. "Among these are 'Season', painted in 1975 by the late Suchao Sisganes, Thawan Duchanee's huge surreal painting 'Untitled', and Angkhan Kalayanapong's Buddhist-themed 'Right Views'."

The works by Thawan and Angkhan are on loan from the Bank of Thailand.

Helping Apinan mount the show were the Culture Centre's director Luckana Kunavichayanont and curator Pakorn Klomkliang, Gridthiya Gaweewong of the Jim Thompson Art Centre, Sermkhun Kunawong of CM Organiser and Nikan Wasinondh of the Bangkok Art House.

Apinan chose the themes and consulted his team in areas where they individually claim expertise. Gridthiya focused on the theme "Experiment" and young curator Nikan was in charge of "Gender".

The theme "In Search of Thai Identities" offers different artists' perspectives on what it means to be Thai. Among highlights are works by painter Prasong Luemuang and the late Jitr Buabusya, Chalerm Nakeerak, Hem Vejakorn and Suchao, plus several pieces by the "Father of Modern Thai Art" Silpa Bhirasri.

"Inspiration from Buddhism" surveys the bond between the faith and artists in both traditional and contemporary pieces. There are four prominent mural paintings, each with its own unique characteristics, and works by National Artists Thawan, Ankhan, Pratuang Emjaroen and Preecha Thaothong.

"Social Space and Patronage" documents the development of the artistic community in Thailand, with prominent figures from different sectors of society who provide various types of support.

Artworks belonging to Thai and overseas collectors, galleries and financial institutes are featured, including some by National Artists and modern masters from the Bank of Thailand, Bangkok Bank and Tisco. Collectors Jean Micheal, Disaphol Chansiri and Alfred of Visual Dhamma have contributed pieces by Navin Rawanchaikul, Araya Radjamrearnsuk, Chatchai Puipia and the late Montien Boonma.

"Fantasy and 'Sur' reality" delves into art inspired by local myths, folktales and the artists' own boundless imaginations. You can see works by Princess Marasri Paribatra and Vitroj Nuibutr.

"Abstraction and Individualism" is about the non-figurative works through which artists have commented on issues through patterns, colours and material. Such works, awaiting the viewer's own liberal interpretation, include pieces by Somboon Hormtienthong, Ittipol Thankchalok and Mitr Chaijai-in.

"Socio-political Struggle" opens the door to political commentary, a vivid format for artists since the violence of 1973 and 1976. Featured in this section are Chokchai Takpo, Thawee Rachaneekorn, Manit Sriwanichapoom and Vasan Sitthiket.

Leading female artists like Araya, Pinaree Sakpitak and Bangkok-based Indian artist Vasha Nair appear in "Gender and Marginality". Their work includes views on sexuality, discrimination and existing on society's margins. The viewpoints are interestingly presented with much poignant symbolism.

"Locality and International Limelight" is devoted to Thai artists who have gained recognition overseas, including awards and invitations to exhibit abroad, thus ensuring their fame.

Some of the pieces in this section utilise Thai concepts and materials, but usually involve more worldly means of presentation. Represented are Rirkrit Tiravanija, Surari Kusolwong, Udomsak Krisamanis, Tawatchai Puntusawasdi, Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Alex Face.

Innovative installations, mixed media, video art and films are presented in "Experimental Art and Media Culture", with the focus on the new communications media and pioneering forms and techniques. On display are works by Tasanai Sethaseree, Disrorn Duangdao and "the father of experimental Thai art" Chalood Nimsamer.

The curators have assembled a time-line chronology that compares the history of art development in Thailand with that of other countries around the world. And more than 100 little-seen art posters are also on display.

WIDE ANGLE

n "Thai Trends: From Localism to Internationalism" runs from Thursday to November 4 at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, open daily except Monday.

n You can meet some of the artists and collectors at the official opening on September 5 at 6.30pm.

-- The Nation 2012-08-27

Moved to Photography & Arts forum.

Interesting. I wonder if any of the more controversial works will be on show - "Dharma and Adharma; The Days of Disaster" by Pratuang Emaroen, the "Inferno" portraits by Vasan Sitthiket, etc. I've read about these in an old version Of "Rough Guide" Would love to see them. Anyway will definitely pay a visit. Just like old times, when I used to go to the Tate and the National Gallery.

Looks like Isaan Aussie, mind i could be wrong. LOL