Worth a visit: First major showcase of contemporary Thai art in the UK 

You should visit the Saatchi Gallery for the first major showcase of contemporary Thai art in the UK. The exhibition is in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Thai Princess, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Thailand Eye presented by Prudential, gives you a great opportunity to see some of the best emerging contemporary art from Thailand featuring the work of 23 emerging artists in an exhibition that runs until 3rd January 2016.

Artist Name: Navin Rawanchaikul Navins of Bollywood, 2008, Acrylic on Canvas, 170 x 540 cm (combined with 3 panels 170 x 180 cm each)

Bringing together more established artists Rikrit Tiravanija, Navin Rawanchaikul and Udomsak Krisanamis who have achieved international fame in recent years, alongside emerging artists, Thailand Eye presented by Prudential highlights an exciting group of artists who strive to balance Thai cultural, social and political history alongside the forces of globalisation.

The exhibition features work by Bussaraporn Thongchai, Chatchai Puipia, Chusak Srikwan,Dow Wasiksiri, Kamolpan Chotivichai, Kawita Vatanajyankur, Kosit Juntaratip, Krit Ngamsom, Manit Sriwanichpoom, Natee Utarit, Navin Rawanchaikul, Nopchai Ungkavatanapong, Pannaphan Yodmanee, Panya Vijinthanasarn, Paweena Raksasna, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Sakarin Krue-On, Somboon Hormtientong and Songchai Buachoom.

Kawita Vatanajyankur The Squeezers, 2015, HD colour video , 2:35 minute loop, edition of 3 + 1 AP

The exhibition is curated by Professor Apinan Poshyananda, Permanent Secretary for the Thai Ministry of Culture, Nigel Hurst, CEO of the Saatchi Gallery and Serenella Ciclitira, Founder of Parallel Contemporary Art.

A number of the artists reference Thai culture in a playful manner. Chustak Srikwan provides a contemporary take on traditional Thai leather engraving, in his photographic series ‘Pink Man’ Manit Sriwanichpoom appears starkly contrasted against the backdrop of the tourist sites in Thailand and Rikrit Tiravanija uses cooking utensils to reference earlier works featuring communal meals of Thai food cooked for gallery visitors by the artist. Other artists in the show including Dow Wasikiri and Navin Rawanchaikul explore issues around identity in new and arresting ways. The exhibition embraces the diverse nature of artistic practice within Thailand and demonstrates the bold invention, innovation and experimentation being undertaken by this new generation of artists.

Kamolpan Chotivichai Internal Monologue

An accompanying book, Thailand Eye: Contemporary Thai Art features the work of 75 Thai artists, including the 23 exhibiting artists. Edited by Serenella Ciclitira and published by SKIRA, the book offers an unprecedented in-depth look at the country’s contemporary artists.

Serenella Ciclitira, CEO & Founder of Parallel Contemporary Art said,

“Looking through the many portfolios which were submitted we found such rich artistic expression and content that ranged from video works through to images from everyday-life where the narrative unfolded into alternative realities. It was a pleasure to see so many talented artists. Our final aim with the book and the exhibitions is for Thai contemporary art to become at long last truly international.”

Professor Apinan Poshyananda said,

“Thailand Eye” brings together a collection of exciting Thai contemporary artworks, created from the root of traditional Thai elements. The exhibition, to be held at the Saatchi Gallery in London, and subsequently at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre in Bangkok, will serve as an invigorating platform where artists, gallerists, art critics, students and public at large exchange their views and learn more about the diversity and richness of Thailand’s contemporary art.”

Manit Sriwanichpoom
Pink Man in Paradise # 1 Pura Luhur Uluwatu, 2003, Lambda print, 100 x 124 cm

Categories

• ART NEWS

Tags