Main Exhibition 789

Thai Trends from Localism to Internationalism

Organized by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) by the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Department announces “Thai Trends from Localism to Internationalism” to mark the grand exhibition of seven decades of Thai art. The exhibition consists of presentation of various fields of art created in the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej along with chronology of significant events on Thai art, artists’ talks and academic seminar. 

“Thai Trends from Localism to Internationalism” will display more than 300 art works during the past seven decades created by nationally renowned artists and young, emerging artists. From Professor Silpa Bhirasri – the father of modern art in Thailand and the founder of Silpakorn University, as well as senior artists  Fua Haribhitak, Jitr Buabusya, Sawat Tantisuk,  Chamrueng Vichienkhet, Prayad Pongdam, Chalerm Nakeerak, Anghan Kalayanapongs, Inson Wongsam, Damrong Wong-Uparaj, Hem Vejakorn, Paiboon Suwannakudt, Pratuang Emjaroen, Thawan Dachanee, Princess Marsi Paribatra, Kamol Tassananchalee, Ithipol Thangchalok, Decha Warashoon, Khemarat Kongsuk, Chalermchai Kositpipat, Montien Boonma, Pisanu Supanimitr, Thavorn Ko-Udomvit, Pricha Arjunka, Surasit Saokong, Somchai Hattakitkosol, Prasong Luemuang, Pinaree Sanpitak, Kamol Phaosavasdi, Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, Viroj Chiamchirawat, as well as Udomsak Krisanamis, Tawatchai Puntusawasdi, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Surasi Kusolwong, Kamin Lertchaiprasert, Dow Wasiksiri, Apichatpong Weerasethakul,  Bussaraporn Thongchai, Imhathai Suwatthanasilp, Alex Face and many more. In addition, art works by expatriate artists such as Niro Yogota, Theo Meier, Raden Basuki, Elizabeth Romhild and Varsha Nair, are also exhibited. 

The artistic creations on display during the exhibition include paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, video art, all of which have been meticulously selected by Professor Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, Committee of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Foundation, and an internationally renowned academic and curator, together with a team of highly-regarded curators comprising Luckana Kunavichayanont, Sermkhun Kunawong, Gridthiya Gaweewong, Pakorn Klomkliang  and Nikan Wasinondh. The exhibition is divided into nine themes.  The first theme, “Search of Thai Identities” portrays the artists’ perspectives of “Thainess” through different forms of presentation in terms of contents and techniques.  The second theme, “Inspiration from Buddhism” presents the bond and connectedness between artists and Buddhism, in the forms of both traditional art and contemporary art, with the examples of four sets of prominent mural paintings, each of which has its own unique characteristics. The third theme “Social Space and Patronage” documents the development of the artistic circle in Thailand, with prominent figures from different sectors who provide various types of support that yields more space in society for arts and artists. The theme “Fantasy and ‘Sur’ reality” displays art works that have inspired by local myths, folk tales and artists’  imagination that know no boundaries.

The theme “Abstraction and Individualism” boasts abstract works through which each of the artists have clearly intended to convey certain issues, with use of patterns, colors, drawings, and materials that reflect their identity and uniqueness, resulting in abstract works that await viewers’ liberal interpretations.  The theme “Socio Political Struggle” expresses artists’ perspectives of the Thai social and political arena, which have become more vivid during  1973 – 1976 and until now, in a wide variety of forms and presentations.

“Gender and Marginality”is one of the creative themes that have often been overlooked.  It portrays the stories of the gender or a group of individuals who do not usually receive attention from others, hence the artists’ conclusion that they are on the edge of society, including those with homosexuality. The viewpoints of the artists are interestingly presented with symbolism that represents sexuality in creative works of art.  The theme “Locality and  International Limelight” exhibits creations of the Thai artists who have gained recognition on an international level, with awards from an overseas events or an invitation to have an exhibition abroad to guarantee their fame.  Some pieces of art are created with the local concept or materials, but with an international modern technique or presentation.  Finally, the theme “Experimental Art and Media Culture” is focused on a new media and concept which involve experimenting with different forms and techniques of presentation, and use of various media as components of art process and production.

In addition, there is a time-line chronology which details the history of artistic development in Thailand in comparison with art from various countries in the world. Also,  more than 100 rarely seen art posters are on display.

Taya  Teepsuwan, Deputy Governor of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration states, “The  Thai Trends from Localism to Internationalism  is the ‘ultimate’ art exhibition in the country in many aspects.  It boasts the largest number and types of art works.  The number of artists who own the exhibited pieces of art is also largest.  The exhibition area is largest.  And it is the best opportunity to admire valuable contemporary pieces of work from leading artists in Thailand.  The pieces of art to be exhibited are generally in the possession of organizations and agencies in the public and private sectors, or they belong to private collectors, so they are not often seen in the public.

The team of curators led by Prof. Dr Apinan Poshyananda plays a significant role to make this exhibition complete, the grandest and the best of its kind in the century.  The organization of this exhibition is in compliance with the intention of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to promote the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre as the centre of art education and dissemination of knowledge about art and cultures among the people of all genders and ages, as well as to establish a network of artists to ensure artistic cooperation.”

Professor Dr. Apinan Poshyananda who has graciously agreed to be the leader of curatorial team of this exhibition comments, “Viewers of this exhibition will get to learn about different facets of history and developments of the Thai art during the past seven decades under the reign of His Majesty the King.  They will be impressed with the creations of renowned artists.  Their width and depth and their varieties and details will captivate them.  Viewers will also learn about dimensions of ideas, as well as transformation from traditional forms of art to contemporary innovation.  The artistic creations which are second to none of foreign artists will make viewers develop their pride in their own Thai identities.  They will have the inspiration to continue and support the invaluable artistic tradition of Thailand.”

“Thai Trends from Localism to Internationalism” exhibition is organized on the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Floors of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, from August 30 to November 4, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 09:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays).  In addition, there will be a talk forum with renowned academics and artists every Saturday from September 8 onwards for the audience to learn about various trends of the Thai arts at different major turning points.  The admission is free.

The Culture, Sports, and Tourism Department is publishing a book which is a compilation of art works created during the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to commemorate His Majesty as the “Supreme Artist” of Thailand and to disseminate the knowledge of art in a wider circle.  Art and various lifestyles will be reflected through the creations of artists from different generations, from 1946 up to the present.  The exhibition not only presents the aesthetic beauty of art and art history but also highlights the prosperity of art during the reign of His Majesty the King in a format that is easy to understand and with articles and stories written by leading artists and academics in Thailand.  Expected to be launched in December of this year, this book will become another significant reference of modern art and contemporary art in Thailand.  The total number of books published is 1,500.  Interested agencies, organizations, or educational institutes can ask for copies of the book at the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Department, Bangkok Metropolis.