200YEARS-010724 - Flipbook - Page 114
200 YEARS
JOURNEY
THROUGH
THAI
MODERN ART
HISTORY
Realism in Art
Realist art, or Naturalism, emerged in Thailand during King Mongkut9s reign
(King Rama IV). The popularity of this art style increased significantly during the
reign of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V). Initially, its appeal was confined
to the royal court, but it later spread to the aristocracy, the middle class, and
the general public. This widespread adoption is evidenced by the creation
of national monuments featuring realistic sculptures, such as the Victory
Monument, inaugurated in 1942.
Modern Thai Art
Since the inaugural National Art Exhibition in 1949, significant Thai artists began
showcasing works that blended traditional Thai elements with modern styles.
Two pioneering figures in this modern Thai art movement were Khien Yimsiri and
Chit Rienpracha. They created sculptures depicting ordinary people engaged
in daily activities, yet these figures exhibited an elegant form reminiscent of
revered and exalted Buddha statues. In the painting, Chalood Nimsamer and
Manit Poo-Aree presented serene rural Thai life through a retro style that included
traditional attire and hairstyles. They employed flat colours and outlined forms,
In 1937, Realism gained popularity in constructing national monuments and integrating traditional Thai painting methods with simplified modern art forms.
became prominent in creating sculptures and portrait paintings. These works These artists are considered trailblazers in incorporating Thai aesthetics into
served the needs of the royal court and the upper class. Notable sculptors in this modern art.
style included Professor Silpa Bhirasri, Sanan Silakorn, and Piman Moonpramuk.
From the 1950s onward, Prayat Pongdam painted landscapes of ancient sites
In painting, significant realist artists included Chalerm Nakiraks, a painting and old cities, enveloped in a mysterious and emotionally stirring atmosphere.
master. His approach varied between impressionistic brushwork and flat, He later gained considerable acclaim for his woodcut prints, depicting the
outlined colouring reminiscent of traditional Thai painting. Chalerm9s subjects beauty of rural life. Angkarn Kalayanapong revived the Thai spirit through
often encompassed history, traditions, and portraits. Chamras Khietkong was images portraying legendary tales, such as those of Kinnara and wood nymphs,
renowned for his portrait paintings, particularly his proud work of the royal and stories from classical literature. His distinctive technique involved drawing
portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which Chamras had the honour of painting with charcoal sticks on paper. Thawan Duchanee, a nationally renowned artist,
from life in 1957.
gained wide recognition for his paintings that intricately reinterpreted Thai,
Buddhist, and Hindu narratives.
From 1957 to 1967, Lawan Upa-in emerged as a distinguished artist in portrait
painting. Recognised as the first female National Artist in 2016, Lawan gained In the mid-1950s, Pichai Nirand became one of the first modern Thai artists to
prominence through her skill in depicting individuals. Her reputation earned blend Buddhist art with contemporary styles earnestly, pioneering a new path
her the trust to paint portraits for the royal court and the elite. However, Lawan for contemporary Buddhist art. Establishing the Thai Art Department at Silpakorn
became a political target in 1967. The left-wing faction accused her of serving University in 1976 was a significant milestone for contemporary Buddhist art,
the dictatorship by painting a portrait of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn. particularly in preserving, continuing, and innovating Thai traditions. Notable
Conversely, the right-wing faction later attacked her, labelling her a communist. alums include Chalermchai Kositpipat, a first-generation student, and Panya
Following Lawan, Chakrabhand Posayakrit, her protŽgŽ, rose to prominence in Vijinthanasarn, a second-generation student. These artists created works that
portraiture. Chakrabhand mastered portrait painting, traditional Thai painting, uniquely fused Thai elements with their styles, significantly influencing the Thai
puppet making, and puppetry.
art scene. Their success generated widespread interest in this art form, leading
to sustained popularity in education, competitions, and the art market for over
three decades.
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