Interested persons are invited to immerse in the beauty of time through stories passed down from texts and oral traditions during “200 Years Journey Through Thai Modern Art History”, which is running at the National Gallery Bangkok, until Aug 31.
Held in collaboration with the Art Auction Center, the exhibition weaves together over two centuries of art history, from the time of Khrua In Khong (who lived during the reigns of King Rama III and IV) to present.
On show are more than 100 rare and significant artworks from the treasure trove of collectors Kornkamol and Piriya Vachajitpan, the latter of whom founded the auction centre as a “public art museum” for people to come and appreciate works by both master artists and emerging talent.
This is an opportunity to journey through the history of Thai art, from Siamese art during the colonial era to the beginnings of modern art in Thailand through paintings and sculptures by leading artists.
Among the highlights are a painting portraying a Western-style landscape by Khrua In Khong, a Buddhist monk who practised traditional Thai art of the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms; and Narai Bantomsin, a painting depicting reclining Vishnu created in 1934 by Phra Dheva Bhinimmit (aka Chine Tiemsilpachai), a prominent artist who served the royal court during the reigns of King Rama V to King Rama VII.
Other interesting works are Siamese Cupid by renowned Italian painter Galileo Chini; Girl With The Red Book, an oil painting by Misiem Yipintsoi hailed as Thailand’s first distinguished artist; Despair Eclipse Of Intellect, a massive oil on canvas by Thawan Duchanee; and Phra Sang Thong And Nang Rojana, a 1982 oil on canvas by Chakrabhand Posayakrit.
The National Gallery is on Chao Fa Road and opens Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm. Admission fee is 30 baht for Thai nationals and 200 baht for foreign visitors.
Left Despair Eclipse Of Intellect by Thawan Duchanee. Art Auction Center
Narai Bantomsin by Chine Tiemsilpachai. Art Auction Center
A painting by Khrua In Khong. photos courtesy of Art Auction Center
