Unveiling a Collector’s Treasure Trove: The Exhibition of the Year “200 YEARS JOURNEY THROUGH THAI MODERN ART HISTORY” Traces the Historical Art Narrative from Khrua In Khong to Crybaby
The National Gallery of Thailand (Chao Fa Art Gallery) and The Art Auction Center invite you to immerse yourself in the beauty of time through stories passed down from texts and oral traditions in the exhibition “200 YEARS JOURNEY THROUGH THAI MODERN ART HISTORY.” This exhibition weaves together over two centuries of art history, fromKhrua In Khong (around the reign of King Rama IV) to the present. It showcases more than 100 rare and significant artworks from the collection of Kornkamol and Piriya Vachajitpan, art collectors and founders of The Art Auction Center, Thailand’s leading art auction company. Their concept of a “public art museum” opens the door for art enthusiasts to appreciate masterpieces by both master artists and emerging talents who have brought Thai art to international acclaim.
Join the journey through the history of Thai modern art, from the Siamese art during the Colonial Era to the beginnings of modern art in Thailand. Marvel at the valuable paintings of “Khrua In Khong”, the powerful brushstrokes and lines of “Thawan Duchanee,” and the contemporary art of “Molly-Nisa Srikumdee” (Crybaby). This exhibition also includes exquisite paintings and sculptures by nearly all of Thailand’s most renowned artists. Amid the hundred art pieces you will enjoy up close, we have selected seven rare masterpieces featured in this exhibition.
- A painting of Khrua In Khong, a monk from Wat Rajaburana (Wat Liap) born during the reign of King Rama III, was ordained as a Buddhist novice at a young age and remained so for many years, earning the nickname “Naen Khong” (big novice). Eventually, the nickname evolved into “Khong,” which carries the same meaning. Upon becoming a monk, he was called ” fromKhrua In Khong ” (Khrua means a senior and knowledgeable monk). Having been close to temples since childhood, he developed an interest in art. Initially, Khrua In Khong practiced traditional Thai art, which mostly adhered to conventional patterns dating back to the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms and the early Rattanakosin period, emphasizing flat, color-washed images without natural realism. However, Khrua In Khong chose to use muted, cloudy tones to create atmosphere, meticulously painting characters and Western-style buildings, except for the Siamese national flag depicting a white elephant on a red background, proudly flying on a steamship.
Other elements in the painting scarcely indicated its Thai origin. How did Khrua In Khong, who had never traveled abroad, find his inspiration? This painting is more than just a Western-style landscape; it is part of the evidence that Siamese artists at that time had transcended the strict traditional boundaries of Thai art, which had been passed down for hundreds of years. Thai art did not remain stagnant because of the renowned artist we know as “Khrua In Khong.”
- “Narai Bantomsin” painting by Phra Dhava Bhinimmit (Chine Tiemsilapachai), one of the prominent court artists serving since the reign of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V), and an art teacher to King Rama VIII and King Rama IX. Created in 1934, this painting depicts Narayana reclining with Brahma emerging from his navel, accompanied by his consort, Lakshmi, all on the back of Ananta, the serpent, amidst the Ocean
of Milk. It reflects the development of character forms in the painting, showing the adoption of Western art principles, including anatomy, perspective, and the creation of atmosphere. The painting of Narai Bantomsin is thus another crucial piece of evidence of the meticulous blending of Western artistic influences with traditional Thai art forms.
3. The valuable and rare painting by Galileo Chini, a renowned Italian artist, was highly favored by King Rama V. The Thai government invited him to work for the royal court, and he came to Bangkok during the reign of King Rama VI. Chini was skilled in painting, ceramics, stained glass, and decorative architectural design. This artwork combines Western and Thai angels into a single image, likely intended to decorate buildings, possibly above window or door arches. During his stay in Siam, in addition to his dome painting at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Chini created several personal oil paintings.
4. Mesiem Yipintsoi, Thailand’s first distinguished artist, created this oil painting titled “Girl with Red Book” (around the 1960s). It depicts a young girl in a pure white dress, lying down and reading a book. The vibrant and cheerful world of the girl is symbolized by the red book in her hands, surrounded by blooming flowers and plants. Mesiem’s loose brushstrokes depict the petals and leaves, creating a lively scene around the girl. The harmonious colors blend her figure with the surrounding foliage, with only her eyes, dark hair, and the red book standing out. This painting’s style is like Mesiem’s sculptural works, known for their exaggerated beauty.
5. Despair Eclipse of Intellect: This massive and rare highlight from the pioneering era by Thawan Duchanee features a black canvas background, with thick strokes of oil paint applied to create shapes and light. The eerie atmosphere under a darkened sun shows a two-headed giant rooster: one head with wide eyes crowing loudly, representing awakening, while the other head pecks at people who lie in despair with their eyes and ears covered.
6. Phra Sang Thong and Nang Rojana: This painting by Chakrabhand Posayakrit was created in 1982 using oil on canvas. It depicts characters dressed as Phra Sang Thong and Nang Rotjana, with a forest hut as the backdrop. The color scheme is warm, capturing the atmosphere of light. The costumes adhere to the traditional attire of the characters, combined with intricate details imagined by the artist. Chakrabhand’s paintings resemble the creative approach of the Impressionist artists in Europe during the late 18th century. The figures and background blend anatomical realism and perspective principles of Western art with the artist’s unique, delicate beauty.
7. Memory House: “Memory House” by Alex Face (Patcharapol Tangruen) is a famous piece by the artist known for his three-eyed child character in a rabbit costume, inspired by his daughter Mardi. The third eye reflects the artist’s perspective on the society and environment his daughter will grow up in. This giant artwork was first exhibited at the 2020 Bangkok Art Biennale at the Bank of Thailand Learning Center. The old wooden house with a large sculpture of Mardi inside represents Alex Face’s childhood memories and contains paintings that reflect human impacts on the Chao Phraya River.
8. Cry Me A River: Crybaby by Molly-Nisa Srikumdee became a sensational phenomenon in the online art toy market, making Molly an internationally acclaimed Art Toy artist. Her first exhibition in Thailand in mid-2022 was a great success, drawing long lines of visitors. This significant piece from the exhibition shows only the head, arms, and legs emerging from the water, making it the largest artwork in her first solo exhibition in Thailand.
In addition to these, the exhibition features hundreds of valuable and rare pieces. Missing this opportunity would be a great regret. The “200 YEARS JOURNEY THROUGH THAI MODERN ART HISTORY” exhibition is open from July 13 to August 31, 2024, at The National Gallery of Thailand (Chao Fa Art Gallery), from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
Admission fee is 30 baht for Thai national, 200 baht for foreigners and free admission for students in uniform, monks, novices, clergy of other religions, and senior citizens aged 60 and above. For more information and updates, visit FB: The National Gallery of Thailand and The Art Auction Center.
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