SEE THE EVOLUTION OF THAI ART OVER THE PAST TWO CENTURIES WITH PERSPECTIVES FROM 4 THAI EXPERTS WHICH ARE INSTRUMENTAL IN WEAVING TOGETHER THE MYRIAD WORKS SHOWCASED WITHIN THE CATALOG

TEXT: SURAWIT BOONJOO

(For Thai, press here)

200 YEARS JOURNEY THROUGH THAI MODERN ART HISTORY
The Art Auction Center, 2024
Design by Hof Art
360 pages
ISBN 978-616-7815-03-9

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‘200 YEARS JOURNEY THROUGH THAI MODERN ART HISTORY’ offers a reflective passage through the evolution of Thai art over the past two centuries, from the esteemed works of Khrua In Khong, a celebrated Thai painter during the fourth monarch’s reign, to the dynamic and popular contemporary Art Toy artists. This exhibition, a collaborative endeavor between The National Gallery of Thailand and The Art Auction Center, showcases a meticulously selected array of over 100 rare pieces from the private collections of Kornkamol and Piriya Vachajitpan, amassed over more than a decade. Hosted under the banner ‘Art Museum for the Public,’ this culturally enriching exhibition is on display at The National Gallery of Thailand from July 13 to August 31, 2024.

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The exhibition catalog, available both in a tangible printed format and as a readily accessible online eBook, spans an impressive 360 pages of meticulously curated content. This collection details a diverse array of artworks that warrant both preservation and scholarly attention. Among the featured works are the influential paintings of Khrua In Khong, eclectic pieces by Galileo Chini, and seminal oil paintings by the trailblazing Thawan Duchanee. Notably, the catalog also includes Chakrabhand Posayakrit’s iconic series of ethereal oil paintings depicting female dancers from traditional Thai performance art, along with monumental stupa sculptures by Montien Boonma and stirring national flag paintings by Natee Utarit. The publication extends its scope to embrace the vibrant contributions of contemporary artists such as Alex Face, Suntur, Gongkan, and Crybaby. Each artist’s history, the provenance of the works, and intriguing details about the pieces themselves are narratively woven throughout, offering readers an engaging and enlightening exploration of this artistic collection.

The catalog is enriched by the incisive contributions of four eminent scholars and experts, who dissect and contextualize the assembled images and information across various historical epochs. The journey begins with an enlightening discussion by Professor Dr. Apinan Poshyananda on the foundational understanding of both local and international art through the colonial and pre-postmodern eras. From here, the essay delves into the various artistic movements and processes that have since emerged, probing the ways in which these artistic contexts either intersect with each other or engage with political themes. This exploration charts the evolution and revolution of artistic themes and forms, seamlessly moving through modern, postmodern, and contemporary periods. This thread of narrative continuity is adeptly expanded upon in an article by Assistant Professor Dr. Vichaya Mukdamanee.

These four essays are instrumental in weaving together the myriad works showcased within the volume, enriching them with a detailed portrayal of the environment and atmosphere, thereby establishing a comprehensive framework for understanding the social, cultural, and intellectual milieus. This foundational perspective is crucial for a deeper appreciation and analysis of the pivotal artworks that represent artists across various eras, meticulously sequenced in chronological order. While the book extensively expands the narrative on two centuries of Thai art, it is crucial to acknowledge that the perspectives offered are merely one lens through which to view the rich tapestry of interpretations available. They serve to enhance the breadth of existing viewpoints rather than to deliver a definitive and exhaustive account. However, while this book significantly broadens the perspective on two centuries of Thai art, it is essential to recognize that the views presented are merely one facet intended to enrich the existing diversity of perspectives, rather than providing a definitive and conclusive narrative.