PET PROJECTS
An art exhibition with a difference - it's in aid of dogs
Story by CHOMPOO TRAKULLERTSATHIEN, Photos by SUCHADA HONGSA
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| This picture, `Tang Jai Yim' (Intentional Smiles), was created by Kannika Jansuwan. It features her and her dog, Marouy, sharing a happy moment together. |
The `My Friends' exhibition presents several stories of dogs, pets and homeless alike. The exhibition has been well-received by both art and dog lovers. |
Kannika Jansuwan's life has revolved around dogs for some time, including temple dogs and abandoned dogs. While some choose to ignore these dogs, Kannika does the opposite. She sees them, feels them and even paints them. But she didn't paint them alone, she also invited 23 friends and nine professional artists to share their feelings for these poor dogs.
Their labour of love has paid off. CentralWorld's Eden Zone has turned into a colourful canine world, with some 59 paintings and sculptures featuring the lives of dogs now on display, including two paintings and one stained glass picture created by HRH Princess Siribha Chudhabhorn.
The exhibition, entitled "My Friends", is dedicated to underprivileged dogs and proceeds from picture sales will go to support handicapped dogs and cats at the Home for Handicapped Animals Foundation in Nonthaburi province, where countless animals are waiting for help. The aim of the exhibition is to drive home the message that all dogs, whether strays or pets, need love, attention and care, but it seems that many dogs are treated improperly or with scant respect. Some are tortured and abused. Others have to struggle hard to survive on their own. Worse still, Bangkok is now crowded with a large population of stray dogs and the situation never seems to improve. These problems haven't escaped Kannika's keen eyes.
"I see dogs every day on my way to university. Most of them are so pathetic. Some hairless puppies have to risk their lives along the busy streets. Emaciated strays taking a rest in the shade of a bus stop or foraging for food in rubbish bins are common sights. Countless abandoned dogs end up handicapped and many just die. I feel sympathetic to all of them and really want to help them in my own way," said Kannika, a senior student at Silpakorn University's Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts.
A chance to visit the Home for Handicapped Animals Foundation a few months ago prompted Kannika to take action. Yet, donating a huge sum of money to support them was out of question for this art student, so she put her talents to use instead. Fully realising that two heads are better than one, Kannika then persuaded friends to join her project.
"I think most people like or love dogs. Besides, the problem of stray dogs in Bangkok is more severe. It seems that those responsible pay little attention to the problem. In addition, we as dog lovers can't wait for the authorities to deal with the stray population. So when I discussed this with my friends, they were more than willing to put on a canine exhibition for underprivileged dogs. We all poured out our hearts and pooled our efforts for this crusade," added Kannika.
According to Kannika, the exhibition allows art students to express their views of man's best friend and share their experiences with dogs, whether pets or abandoned. The exhibits feature both the seen and unseen stories of dogs of all ages, breeds and personalities. Some paintings are touching, reflecting the inseparable bond between people and dogs. Others present vivid memories of dog owners who have lost their dogs. While several demonstrate the loveliness, intelligence and loyalty of their dogs, many prefer to select the pathetic side of street dogs to tell shocking stories. Although different in technique and style, all the exhibits mirror the truth that can't be denied, although many ignore it.
"I lost my first dog several years ago, but he still lives on in my memory. I saw him lying shakily near the street and I was afraid that he might be run over by car so I took him home. This is a good opportunity for me to do something good for other dogs, with my former dog as my inspiration. Although I realise that solving the stray problem is difficult, since we've left it for so long. I wish all stray dogs could have a better life and that all people loved their dogs," said Surapong Sutat na Ayutthaya, who exhibited three eye-catching sculptures.
Kannika exhibited two paintings. She and her dogs are the models. The first picture, Tang Jai Yim (Intentional Smile), features Kannika and Marouy, her golden retriever. It took a week to complete this lively and colourful painting.
"Marouy died several years ago but I still miss her. She lives on in my heart and I feel happy whenever I think of her. She is my inspiration. Her picture has been in my mind for so long and it's good that I can let her out of my memory and keep her alive on my canvas. Marouy and I shared happy times together, so I want to show our happiness. Sometimes, we forget that something close to us can make us happy. To me, a dog is not just a dog, it is my source of happiness. Whenever I went back home, Marouy would be the first to greet me with a happy face and non-stop wagging," recalled the dog lover.
Her second piece, named Tang Jai Koi (Patient Waiting), reflects how patient a dog is while waiting for her mistress to return home. Although it might be a long wait, it is a happy one. To Kannika, the word "waiting" means several things.
"A dog waits for its owner's return, which always makes it happy. It seems that my dogs are happy whenever they see my face, even though I stay at home. A dog also waits for love, attention, care, sympathy, food and everything from us. This picture features Petch, one of my lovely dogs. She looks great on the canvas," she said.
Kannika's pictures are remarkable since they are very colourful. The bright tones she uses symbolise happiness and inspiration.
"In fact, I keep many dogs but these two dogs are now gone. The two paintings were in commemoration of them. These two dogs made me happy and more importantly they are my inspiration, they inspire me to do good things for other dogs. They are a little happiness that will stay in my mind for good. They are my friends, hence the name of the exhibition," said Kannika.
Kannika's exhaustion faded as the exhibition was well received by both dog and art lovers. All of her friends also shared her feelings after spending several months preparing the exhibition and staying late for several nights to finish their pictures.
"I didn't expect the exhibition would be so well received, since we are still only art students. But when I saw the crowds of people appreciating our work, I felt so excited and delighted. Several pictures were sold on the first day. We're happy that our work can capture people's attention and the money will go support handicapped animals," said Kannika.
"I hope that what we are trying to do will stimulate dog lovers to be more responsible for their pets throughout their life. Don't just follow trends - a dog is not a kind of fashionable accessory. It has life and feelings, like us. Some people buy puppies because they think they are cute, but don't want to take responsibility when they grow up. If you have no heart or no love for the animal, don't keep one," she said.
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