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The Spirits of Maritime Crossing: Discover How the Past Has Shaped the Present at Venice Biennale 2024

The Spirits of Maritime Crossing: Discover How the Past Has Shaped the Present at Venice Biennale 2024

/ Venice, Italy /

/ Story: MNSD, Wuthikorn / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

The mere sight of a beautiful contemporary art exhibition fills the audience with awe. Named the Spirits of Maritime Crossing, the show evokes pleasant memories of interaction between two cultures in times past. Figuratively speaking, the Spirits of Maritime Crossing is a tale of two rivers – a confluence where the beautiful Chao Phraya River in Thailand meets the iconic Grand Canal, a major water traffic corridor in Venice, Italy.

venice biennale
Making his point, artist Pichet Klunchun expresses his idea during a performance art show that’s part of the Spirits of Maritime Crossing art exhibition at the 60th Venice Biennale.

Welcome to the show featuring masterpieces by artists from Thailand as well as their counterparts from across Southeast Asia. It’s a part of the main attractions at the 60th Venice Biennale happening now, from mid-April until November 24, 2024.

Curated by the Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation, the show tells the story a relationship between the world’s two major cities in an artistic manner. It sheds light on the ties between Bangkok, once upon a time nicknamed Venice of the East, and the original Venice, a city amid a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea more than 10,000 kilometers away by sea.

The official delegation gracing the opening ceremony in Venice includes, from left, – Ms. Kundhinee Aksornwong, Minister of the Royal Thai Embassy in Rome; – H.E. Mr. Paolo Dionisi, Italian Ambassador to Thailand; – Mr. Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, CEO of the Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev) as Chairman and Founder of the Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation; – Professor Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, the exhibition curator; – Ms. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Chair of the Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC); and – Mr. Andrea Marcon, Consul of Thailand for the Venice Triveneto.

In central respects, the Spirits of Maritime Crossing helps to explain the annals of history from a different perspective. It revisits the events and experiences in times past, ranging from European discoveries, to the diaspora of people from their homelands, to colonialism and the assimilation of people into different societies across Southeast Asia. And the story is being told through visual arts, among them drawings and sculptures, multimedia and video installation art.

venice biennale
A Symphony Dyed Blue, 2024 4K video, 6:13 min . Artist: Kawita Vatanajyankur (Thailand)
Palazzo Smith Mangilli Valmarana (second from left) is the venue for the Spirits of Maritime Crossing art exhibition at Venice Biennale 2024. The Neoclassic style palace looks out over the iconic Grand Canal, the main water traffic corridor in Venice.
Terang Boelan (Moonshine), 2022 . Artist: Jompet Kuswidananto (Indonesia)
My Mother and I II: The Composers in the Machine, 2024 . Artist: Kawita Vatanajyankur

The Spirits of Maritime Crossing contemporary art exhibition is happening at Palazzo Smith Mangilli Valmarana, a Neoclassic style palace overlooking the Grand Canal in Venice. Already there’s an atmosphere of excitement, and a wealth of interest and intrigue among international audiences.

The exhibition curator, Professor Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, was on hand to deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony in Venice, along with a troupe of modern and contemporary artists from Thailand and across Southeast Asia. They included artists Kawita Vatanajyankur and Jakkai Siributr of Thailand, Priyageetha Dia of Singapore, and Thai dancer Pichet Klunchun who gave a special performance at the gathering.

Calling for Rain, 2021 . Artist: Khvay Samnang (Cambodia)
The Sea is a Blue Memory, 2022 . Artist: Priyageetha Dia (Singapore)

The evening ceremony was graced by the screening of a short film starring Marina Abramovic, a Serbian American conceptual artist/performer and winner of the Golden Lion Award. The event took place at Generali’s Procuratie Vecchie located at the famed Piazza San Marco in Venice.

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Aside from Marina Abramovic, the visiting troupe include 15 established artists as well as new, rising stars from Thailand and across the ASEAN Region. They include Pichet Klunchun (Thailand), Priyageetha Dia (Singapore), Jitti Kasemkitwattana (Thailand), Nakrob Moonmanas (Thailand), Jompet Kuswidanato (Indonesia), Bounpaul Phothyzan (Laos), Alwin Reamillo (the Philippines), Khvay Samnang (Cambodia), Moe Satt (Myanmar-the Netherlands), Jakkai Siributr (Thailand), Natee Utarit (Thailand), Kawita Vatanajyankur (Thailand), and Yee I-Lann (Malaysia), and Truong Cong Tung (Vietnam).

The Spirits of Maritime Crossing art exhibition at Venice Biennale 2024 is being sponsored by the Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation (BAB) in collaboration with the Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev) as well as public and private organizations, including:

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (a public organization), the One Bangkok Holdings Company Limited, the Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, the Central Group, the 100 Tonson Foundation, the Fraser and Neave Holdings Bhd (F&NHB), the Fraser and Neave, Limited (F&NL), the Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (SABECO), plus:

venice biennale 2024

venice biennale

The Chang International Company Limited, the Sangsom Company Limited, the Ch Karnchang Public Company Limited, the Bangkok Expressway and Metro Transport Public Company Limited, the Tang Contemporary Art Company Limited, the Generali Life Assurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Richard Koh Fine Art (Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur), Nova Contemporary, Warin Lab Contemporary, Silverlens Gallery, Flowers Gallery, and the Amarin Corporations Public Company Limited, and its business affiliations.

For the latest news on contemporary art events organized by the Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at: BkkArtBiennale

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A little bit about the venue:

Having been closed for more than 12 years for renovation, Palazzo Smith Mangilli Valmarana, a palace in Venice, Italy, opened its doors to visitors for the first time in mid-April 2024, performing a role as venue for the Spirits of Maritime Crossing art exhibition at the 60th Venice Biennale.

At one time, it was the residence of Joseph Smith, a British consul, art collector and connoisseur in Venice. Also called Consul Smith, he assisted many artists during his lifetime, acts of kindness that saw his home transform into a thriving art center and meeting place popular among artists. The palace later changed hands and the new owner, Count Giuseppe Mangilli, decided to hire Giannantonio Selva to renovate the interiors in the Neoclassic style, thereby restoring the home to its former glory as we see it today.


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ISAN Cubism: A Revival of Isan Folk Art through Exquisitely Beautiful Ceramic Buddha Images

ISAN Cubism: A Revival of Isan Folk Art through Exquisitely Beautiful Ceramic Buddha Images

/ Khon Kaen, Thailand /

/ Story: Natthawat Klaysuban / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Courtesy of ISAN Cubism /

An exquisitely beautiful collection of Buddha figurines reminiscent of stone Buddha images in earlier times has restored Isan vernacular art to life. Let’s go and check out some of the extraordinary works of art that take pride of place in the hearts and minds of the people of the Northeast of Thailand, aka the Isan Region. There is a difference though, as to what kind of material they are made of. One thing is for sure, the result is the beauties of Isan folk art that inspires delight and great admiration. The tranquil figurines are skillfully handcrafted of ceramics glazed in smooth, shiny cool-toned green and blue hues. Truly in a class of itself, the stunning product line is already very well received among aficionados of fine art and sculpture countrywide.

ISAN Cubism
A collection of ceramic Buddha figurines is a work of art in several cool-toned colors by Isan Cubism. It’s being very well received in the art scene.

The project is a collaboration between Dr. Kham Chaturongakul and Dr. Nuttapong Prompongsaton, associate professor — both of whom faculty members of the Department of Industrial Design at Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Architecture.

Together they co-founded the brandISAN Cubism by integrating the elements of vernacular art indigenous of the Isan Region in exciting new designs, plus using materials and techniques that best fit in with the present time.

Dr. Kham Chaturongakul (left) and Dr. Nuttapong Prompongsaton, associate professor. Both are faculty members at the Industrial Design Department, Khon Kaen University’s School of Architecture.

The ceramic statuettes with a polychromatic overlay are admired for their powerful storytelling about the richness of Isan culture and traditions. For this reason, the brand ISAN Cubism comes in handy as a vehicle of ideas to showcase an intriguing combination between the traditional and the modern.

Cubism, created by Pablo Picasso, is a style in art using simple geometric forms as a means of expression, as opposed to traditional modes of representation and concerns.

ISAN Cubism

Precisely, ISAN Cubism is about the relationship between religion and humanity in the contemporary world. That being the case, the omnipresence of Siddhattha Gautama the Lord Buddha is constantly felt in society today, and hence the images of him are never far from our everyday lives.

Depending on our religiosity, the statuettes of the Buddha play multiple crucial roles in the current environment. For the followers of Buddhism, they are objects worshipped and treated with deep respects. For others, they can be anything from materials used in the furnishing and decoration of homes, to symbols of pleasure and calm rather than being treated with due seriousness. The list goes on.

That being said, the traditional lines, shapes and forms characteristic of Buddha images in former times are reduced in favor of a more streamlined design plain and obvious in this collection of modern-day statuettes. It’s a rethink that enables them to perfectly merge into the circumstances that form the setting of today’s events and ideas.

ISAN Cubism
A vase for displaying cut flowers is known as “Roop Taem” or “Hoop Taem” in the vernacular of the Northeastern Region, a term for color paint art and painting executed directly on a wall.

As the two professors see it, Isan vernacular is chosen as the vehicle of artistic expression in this collection because of its richness in folk elements of design, a genre of visual art and sculpture developed at the time the region was regarded as a remote frontier ungoverned by bigger, more powerful city states.

In exact terms, it’s this quality that makes Isan folk art original and unique in its own special way. Among others, there’s a sincere direct rawness to it that differs from the more refined profile typical of those of Lanna and Ayutthaya kingdoms in former times.

In a nutshell, Isan art is the works of traditional craftsmanship, made by villagers using materials and technique available within the locality, wood and clay included.

Their version of Buddha statuettes may be a far cry from awe-inspiring masterpieces intricately carved by royal court artisans highly skilled in a trade. But, unlike the elegance in appearance that we’ve all grown accustomed to, Isan folk art remains a medium of expression that’s easy to understand, one that’s created using simple clean lines and four-sided plain figures.

The two professors see a similarity of characteristics between Isan art and cubism ideas that originated in Europe. To them, the beauty of simplicity of Isan vernacular art is key to unlocking the door to endless possibilities.

Imagine what would happen if Isan folk art could transform into lifestyle products made easily accessible to today’s generation. Keep the vibrant colors that the villagers have long cherished, plus the rawness feel unique to each and every one of them. That’s what adds charm and character to folk art products.

ISAN Cubism

The brand ISAN Cubism started out with the manufacture of vases for displaying cut flowers. Gradually Nattapong developed an interest in Buddha statuettes, having been surrounded by religious populations. He soon came up with his first collection of Buddha figurines based on wooden models that people made and then donated to temples as the expression of reverence.

ISAN Cubism

Dr. Kham and Dr. Nuttapong said that other countries have their own versions of human figurines, too. The most famous among them are Daruma Dolls of Japan, and Matryoshka, aka Nesting Dolls, of Russia.

They opined that Isan folk art had the potential to develop into something in the future, which can be anything including materials for the furnishing and decoration of a room, or any place on earth.

And you don’t have to be Buddhist to do that, either. Buddhist art is a visual art. It’s the way of seeing things around us and interpreting them through an artistic perspective. And this exquisitely beautiful collection of ceramic figurines is designed to do exactly that.

ISAN Cubism


Artist: ISAN Cubism (www.facebook.com/Isancubism)


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Hotel Art Fair Bangkok 2017

Hotel Art Fair Bangkok 2017

30 leading galleries and artists from across Thailand and abroad have turned a Bangkok hotel into a vibrant art destination well worth a visit. The event, which is the fourth edition by Farmgroup, takes place on June 24-25 at the Volve Hotel on Sukhumvig 53, just off Thonglor BTS Station. Be there!

/// Thailand ///

 

Living ASEAN files this report on a glimpse into the art world. Here are 15 of the rooms that will capture your fascinated attention. Check this out.

The Barn Curated by Farmgroup

Room 202: The Barn Curated by Farmgroup

The room features a special project initiated by Farmgroup in collaboration with 11 Thai artists. Paying tribute to the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s musical talents and passion, each distinguished artist created a vinyl record jacket design based on his or her interpretation of His Majesty’s selected compositions.

 

Pomme Chan
Pomme Chan

Room 201: Pomme Chan

The room is rich in exhibits by internationally renowned artist Pomme Chan, but this time it’s not about paintings. Intriguing exhibits include ceramics, decorative objects, and carpets from Pomme Chan’s collections.

 

C.A.P Studio and Jojo Kobe
C.A.P Studio and Jojo Kobe

Room 207: The C.A.P Studio and Jojo Kobe

Here, C.A.P Studio and Jojo Kobe worked jointly to showcase outstanding works in printmaking and a variety traditional etching and wood block printing techniques ,as well as lithography and screen printing.

 

Gallery Seescape
Gallery Seescape
Gallery Seescape

Room 301: The Gallery Seescape

The exhibit features a rich combination of works by seven artists from Gallery Seescape, including Tawatchai Puntusawasdi, Anon Pairot, Torlarp Larpjaroensook, Chol Janepraphaphan, Uten Mahamid, Silwataka Ramyananda, and Thepmetha Thepboonta. All of the works on show represent a new creative series.

 

Note Kritsada
Note Kritsada

Room 304: Note Kritsada

Here, artist Note Kritsada presents all of the portrait paintings he has done so far this year. They reflect issues of sexuality and conscience, as well as social networking and artistic temperaments.

 

Bangkok Citycity Gallery
Bangkok Citycity Gallery
Bangkok Citycity Gallery

Room 307: The Bangkok Citycity Gallery

307 features interesting pieces of by three street artists in collaboration with the Bangkok Citycity Gallery. They include Alex Face, Beejoir & Lucas Price, and Tae Parvit. Their works in the realm of prints, paintings and installations are known for arousing curiosity and interest.

 

Dr.Apinan Poshyananda
Dr.Apinan Poshyananda

Room 403: Dr. Apinan Poshyananda

On display here are paintings that Dr. Apinan Poshyananda received from some famous artists. The show sets in motion the Bangkok Art Biennale 2018 (BAB 2018), which is a new contemporary art festival. Dr. Apinan is the CEO and art director of the event, which will be held from November 2018 to February 2019 on various locations around the capital.

 

Serindia Gallery
Serindia Gallery

Room 404: The Serindia Gallery

The Serindia Gallery, in association with Art for Cancer, a charity project using art and creative ideas to raise funds to help underprivileged cancer patients in Thailand, is showcasing paintings and sculptures by its four female artists. The works selected for the show are much admired for their colors, patterns, and their reflections on women.

 

Atta Gallery

Room 406: The Atta Gallery, and Paw-Dee Lifestyle

The ATTA Gallery, in collaboration with Paw-Dee Lifestyle, a contemporary Thai crafts and lifestyle store, is featuring an intriguing array of works in contemporary jewelry by Japanese artists. Meanwhile, Paw-Dee Lifestyle also makes a prominent exhibition of decorative objects by Thai artists.

 

H gallery
H gallery

Room 407: The H Gallery

The H Gallery features a new series of paintings by five local and regional artists, including Soomboon Hormtientong, Manit Sriwanichpoom, Mit Jai Inn, Jakkai Siributr, and Sopheap Pich. All of the paintings on show are abstract art and being presented through oil, acrylic, and canvas printings.

 

ALIVE by Alex Face

ALIVE by Alex Face

Alex Face is a remarkable Thai street artist. Now, he is revealing the perspective of his art in his latest exhibition, “ALIVE”.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Wuthikorn Suthiapa /// Rewrite – Translate: Osatee Ularangkoon ///  Photos: NathawutPengkamphoo, Wuthikorn Suthiapa

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Street art has achieved recognition on the Thai art scene over the past decade. The leading artist in this genre is Patcharapol Tangruen, also known as Alex Face. He created the three-eyed baby in fluffy bunny outfit character that appeared on the walls across Bangkok, Jakarta, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Berlin.

While he was an art student, his friends and professors didn’t understand why he kept spraying in public space, and thought it was ridiculous. But Alex Face disagreed. “Street painting is a kind of expression and could draw many audiences,” he said. “If it’s hard for people to engage with art, we should take it to engage with people instead.”

With that idea in mind, Alex Face hit the street with his colorful graffiti and the signature character that was inspired by his daughter. He also met fellow street artists from around the world, got the invitations to work abroad, and became an internationally-renowned street artist.

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“I studied art, so I’m interested in all kinds of art,” Alex Face answered when asked about his style of work. “Not only did I graffiti, I’ve also painted, printed and sculpted. I like it all. It depends on which techniques could be compatible with my concepts.” He also said that he set up “ALIVE”, his most recent event, to show his art experience from childhood till now.

“You will see what skills I had practiced, and encounter different kinds of works of art that you’ve never seen before,” he assured.

Alex Face’s ALIVE is taking place at Bangkok CityCity Gallery until February 19, 2017. For more information please visit www. bangkokcitycity.com.

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Sirimongkol: A Spiritual Art Exhibition By Pomme Chan

Sirimongkol: A Spiritual Art Exhibition By Pomme Chan

Bid farewell to 2016 and ring in the New Year with Sirimongkol, an exhibition of works by celebrated illustrator Pomme Chan. The artist got her inspirations from the twelve signs of the Zodiac, which in the Chinese belief system are thought to have profound influences on us humans. The event is on from now until February 12, 2107 at the Jam Factory.

/// Thailand ///

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The spiritual art exhibition is appropriately named “Sirimongkol,” which is Thai for good omens or positive energies believed to foretell the future. Pomme Chan’s masterpieces depict the twelve signs representing the constellations that form the imaginary belt of the heavens. To make it easy to appreciate, the exhibition comes in four parts.

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The first part consists of illustrated works on canvas depicting the 12 animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Each sign comes accompanied by floral and botanical ornaments that speak to basic character, preferences, strengths, and weaknesses of individuals.

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The second part is quite a striking collection. Using hand-drawn techniques on paper, the artist lets red and gold play a prominent role in her contemporary interpretation of the Zodiac signs. Sharp geometric shapes blends well with curves and brush strokes from Chinese calligraphy and other symbols of wealth, success, luck, and power.

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The third part is three-dimensional showcasing a futuristic spirit house. The 3D shrine is crafted of clear acrylic sheets illuminated by LED lighting, a collaborative effort between Pomme Chan and interior designer Pruitsatorn Sakulthai. Finally, the fourth part comprises illustrated works printed on 10 porcelain plates and mounted on frames to focus on the meaning of “Sirimongkol” as we know it. May 2017 bring happiness and prosperity to you all.

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Exhibition period: Now – February 12, 2017.
Location: The Jam Factory

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/thejamfactorybangkok

About the artist

Pomme Chan is a Thai illustrator based in London. Her feminine style and detailed illustrated works are recognized worldwide. She has been working with various leading brands and magazines, including Marc Jacobs, Nike, Adidas, Volkswagens, and The New York Times. She is moving back in Thailand, where she has a studio of her own.

In Remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Art Exhibition

In Remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Art Exhibition

“In Remembrance of His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej Art Exhibition” at Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center.

/// Thailand ///

Story: Bundaree Deewong /// Photo: Peerapol Taiyaithieng

On learning the news so distressing for the Thai people regarding the passing of His Majesty the King, to honor his memory The office of Contemporary Art and Culture and twenty-nine Thai artists have put on display an exhibition of heartfelt original art in honor of His Majesty: portraits, sculpture, photographs, graphic arts, and other relevant works.

The art exhibition is open daily 10.00 am to 7.00 pm between October 18 and 30, 2016, excepting Mondays and national holidays, on the 1st Floor at the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center, 84 Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Bangkok, Thailand.

 

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The name of 29 Thai Artists as follow…

  • Vasiree Hiranyalekha
  • Kitikong Tilokwattanotai
  • Vichit Pittayakorn
  • Widsanupong Noonan
  • Professor Kanya Charoensupkul
  • Suraporn Lertwongpaitoon
  • Kamthorn Paowattanasuk
  • Jutarad Phattharasirasak
  • Kampol Mungngam
  • Patipon Supanpong
  • Rattana Sudjarit
  • Santi Seedarach
  • Pairin Pupradup
  • Sakwut Wisesmanee
  • Anuchai Secharunputong
  • Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch and Aungkana Panthongka
  • Watchara Prayoonkam
  • M.L.Chiratorn Chirapravati
  • Somnuek Klangnok
  • Kriengkrai Waiyakij
  • Wannathanee Aphiwatthanasewee 
  • Kamphon Khummawong 
  • Chatchawan Dajan 
  • Chattathan Chaipuriyanon 
  • Natsuda Janthara 
  • NatsudaChantara
  • Pornchai Sinonpat
  • Dinhin Rakpong-Asoke
  • Udom Udomsrianan

link: http://www.rcac84.com/en/art_of_the_month-detail.php?id=63

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