‘SILPA BHIRASRI: 100 YEARS AFTER HIS ARRIVAL IN THAILAND’ NARRATES DISTINCTLY THE BIOGRAPHY OF PROFESSOR SILPA BHIRASRI, THE ICONIC FIGURE OF THAI ART WITH CONCISE SUMMARIES INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE PAST
TEXT: SURAWIT BOONJOO
PHOTO: KETSIREE WONGWAN
(For Thai, press here)
Silpa Bhirasri: 100 Years After His Arrival in Thailand
Wijit Apichatkriengkrai
Silpa Bhirasri Research Center, 2023
Designed by Silpa Bhirasri Research Center / Thai Form Studio
Hard cover
‘Silpa Bhirasri: 100 Years After His Arrival in Thailand’ is an exemplary commemoration of the centenary of Professor Silpa Bhirasri’s significant entry into Thailand and his influential tenure at the Department of Fine Arts, which commenced in 1923. This meticulously crafted volume, published and distributed by the Silpa Bhirasri Research Center and conceived in collaboration with Thai Form Studio under the editorial oversight of Wijit Apichatkriengkrai, transcends a conventional biography, which is interestingly different from other publications about the iconic figure. It achieves a distinctive synthesis of content, juxtaposing concise summaries with a narrative enriched by photographs from diverse sources.
The book is meticulously divided into two main sections. The first section delves into Professor Silpa’s personal narrative, beginning with his voyage from Italy to Thailand. It chronicles his early public service role, overseeing sculpture casting and design, and elaborates on his educational background, professional career, and notable creations, including significant sculptures and monument designs. This section paints a vivid portrait of an artist at the confluence of cultures whose works bridged traditional and modern sensibilities. The second section is a testament to Professor Silpa’s indelible contributions to the establishment of modern art within Thai society. It details six distinct achievements that catalyzed the transformation of Thailand’s art landscape to international standards during that era. These include founding a seminal art institution, initiating the ‘National Exhibition of Art,’ and publishing a corpus of essays, critiques, and academic texts. The book astutely reorganizes his writings, previously compiled in the 109th Year of Silpa Bhirasri issue of the Art Record magazine in 2001, presenting them anew in a format that is both accessible and illuminating.
A particularly poignant conclusion to the book is an interview that offers an intimate, quotidian perspective on his life through the eyes of Malini Bhirasri, Professor Silpa Bhirasri’s wife. This personal account is juxtaposed with detailed descriptions of commemorative works reflecting on his legacy, from his monument to his gravestone plaque. The book then recapitulates key aspects of his life, education, career, and creative output following his return to public service. This recapitulation is followed by an impressive catalog of his works, systematically categorized into monument designs, sketches, and individual sculptures, all presented in a chronological format. This method not only emphasizes critical information but also provides a holistic view of his life’s journey.
The narrative structure and storytelling techniques employed in “Silpa Bhirasri: 100 Years After His Arrival in Thailand” invite readers to appreciate the multifaceted roles and incredible body of work of Professor Silpa Bhirasri, whose contributions have significantly shaped the evolution of modern art in Thai society. The book introduces a novel dimension of biographical literature by seamlessly integrating scattered information into a cohesive and timely narrative. This compilation offers a thorough account of Professor Silpa Bhirasri’s life, underscoring his pivotal role in transforming and laying the foundations for modern art in Thailand. It stands as an invaluable historical resource for ongoing and future research, resonating with scholars and enthusiasts of art history alike.
