A top Thai artist tells her stories

Test Yourself is where you can improve your reading skills. Whether it’s for tests like University Entrance Exams or IELTS and TOEFL, or even just for fun, these stories help you to read, understand and improve your English.

You can download a PDF and audio for this story below.
 
Read the following story by Suthivas Tanphaibul from the Bangkok Post’s Guru Magazine. Then, answer the questions that follow.

One of the leading Thai artists known for her unique characters and style, Lamphu "Leam" Kansanoh presents hilarious and creative paintings with hidden messages behind them.

In ‘Hed Nai Sing Tee Cheu (Do What You Believe)’, Leam explores the influences of beliefs in our real-life actions in 11 paintings, which are on display on the 3rd floor of Central: The Original Store until July 25.

Guru spoke to Leam about her art show.

How would you describe your style?

Caricature [a drawing of someone that usually makes them look silly] would be the perfect term to describe my style.

How is this show different?

‘Do What You Believe’ stands out because all the paintings in this collection are presented in comic strip style. They are divided into different chapters, presenting stories with deeper meanings. Also, this exhibition is focused more on up-to-date news, such as Covid-19.

What was the inspiration behind the exhibition?

There is a difference in the understanding of people from different generations. We grew up with different attitudes and in different surroundings, which is why there's nothing wrong with people seeing, believing and talking about the same things differently.

Is there any message behind your characters?

The bigger the head of the characters, the more we feel from their faces. Their faces are telling the audience different things. My characters also convey messages. The funny stories and faces were based on the unpleasantness of society.

What is your favourite painting among the 11 artworks?

My favourite is Holy Sh*t 2021. It portrays the good and evil in Thai society. It’s based on viral news of a love triangle wedding, showing the husband marrying his mistress. His wife attacks him, putting her hands in prayer at the same time, as the shocked monk blesses them.

For You Are The One 2021, why do all women look like Pimrypie?
To me, Pimrypie is more than just a net idol. Many people see her as an inspiration for doing good deeds. Actually, this painting is a continuation of Make It Happen 2021, which is about a woman who is willing to have surgery to look like Pimrypie. Instead of getting surgery to look like her, people should copy her selfless acts instead.

Why do the adults look happier than the children?

It is about adults who grow up happily living in a familiar environment, while kids nowadays are so desperate when looking at their future in the chaotic world.

Do you have any advice for people?

We cannot change anyone's mind, but we can respect each other's beliefs and opinions in order to live together, happily.


Section 1: Write the correct answer in the space provided.
1. When does Leam’s show end? …………….
2. How many artworks are in the show? …………….
3. Which news event is a focus of the exhibition? …………….
4. Fill in the missing word: Her funny stories come from ________’s unpleasantness. …………….
5. How does the monk feel in her wedding picture?…………..
6. Which picture first had Pimrypie as a subject? …………….

Section 2: Read the following passage. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct words from the choices given.
I believe ghosts haunt me, …7… only at night. …8… I have never seen them, I am very afraid of ghosts. I …9… many Thai people are superstitious because our lives have so many books and movies that have …10… .
7. __A. while             __B. but                    __C. during
8. __A. However             __B. Even though           __C. Without
9. __A. bet                __B. belief               __C. better
10. __A. mystery            __B. mysterious                __C. ghost

       
Section 3: Find words that match the following definitions.
11. a person in a movie, book or artwork……………
12. all of the people born and living at about the same time ……………
13. feelings or opinions about something or someone ……………
14. a woman who is in a sexual relationship with a married man …………

Answers: 1. July 25. 2. 11. 3. Covid-19. 4. society. 5. shocked. 6. Make It Happen 2021. 7. b. 8. b. 9. a. 10. a. 11. character. 12. generations. 13. attitudes. 14. mistress.