Thai dancer and choreographer Pichet Klunchun was one of three artists who received the John D Rockefeller III Prize this year by the Asian Cultural Council.
Pichet Klunchun.
Pichet, a well-known performing artist, shares the award with the Cambodian-born, US-based composer Chinary Ung and Indonesian arts manager Anna Kusomo. Each of them will receive a grant of US$50,000 (a little over 1.6 million baht).
The 50-year-old Asian Cultural Council supports cultural exchange between the US and Asian countries by giving grants to artists, scholars and humanities professionals to fund research, studies or to start creative projects.
Pichet is a leading figure in Thai contemporary dance and theatre. His innovative, creatively unorthodox interpretation of the khon masked dance has earned much praise from critics, but has also stirred up its share of controversy among more traditional-minded aficionados of this art form. Lately he’s also been fusing conceptual art and cultural commentary into his works.
The composer Chinary Ung is known for his use of Cambodian folk elements in his scores. He is also working with Cambodian refugees to set up a dance group.
Anna Kusumo has been praised for promoting Indonesian art and fostering enthusiasm for cultural and artistic exchanges between her compatriots and people in other countries.
