Although legendary Thai artist Chavalit Soemprungsuk, a 2014 National Artist in Visual Arts (Painting), may no longer be among us after his death last year, his work lives on in our hearts and memories.
In remembrance of his prolific work over the past few decades, the Museum of Contemporary Art (Moca Bangkok) and the Chavalit Soemprungsuk Art Fund is staging an exhibition titled "Messages" to showcase the works of both Chavalit and five guest artists, from today until April 27, on the gallery's G Floor.
The five guest artists are Jitsing Somboon, Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch, Pannaphan Yodmanee, Fasang Nava-Aran and Angkrit Ajchariyasophon. A total of over 100 pieces will be on display at the event.
The exhibition is being organised to shed light on the fact that learning has a deeper meaning than teaching or being told.
The aim of the event is to present Chavalit and his philosophy through his art and writings -- a memento from a person who dedicated years of his life perfecting his art.
Despite being in his 80s, age never impacted his ability to create as he continued his flair for capturing the essence of his subjects with profound understanding. This is why his craft has regularly inspired and opened new creative channels for budding and seasoned artists to follow in his footsteps until today.
Chavalit was an avid student of the acclaimed Silpa Bhirasri. Throughout his career, he regularly exhibited his work in Thailand while residing in Amsterdam where he welcomed and supported the works of his fellow Thai artists.
In 2013, he donated 4,000 pieces of his work and collections to the Thai government for educational purposes. This led to one of the most interesting exhibitions where his Amsterdam studio was remade in the middle of Bangkok. From 2019-2020, Thais got to take part in the 80+ Art Festival Thailand, which celebrated his career with his latest works across six locations in the city.
The five handpicked artists for this group exhibition include Jitsing Somboon, an artist and designer who is always up for new challenges. He received the Designer of the Year Award, Silpakorn University, in 2004. He was also selected to be part of the first Bangkok Art Biennale with his project "Faithway" at Wat Pho.
There is also Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch, a ceramic artist who is known for his photography, sculpture, installations and public art. He picked up the Wattanakunathorn Award in 2013. His work has also been selected for the second Bangkok Art Biennale 2020-21.
Artist Chavalit Soemprungsuk. (Photos: Preecha Pattara)
Meanwhile, artist Pannaphan Yodmanee's expertise in using natural objects and painted elements that reflect traditional Thai art and architecture is also included. Through her works, she explores Buddhist philosophy and cosmology.
There is also Fasang Nava-Aran whose works in mixed media and painting create mesmerising abstract art forms. He uses objects and hues to construct and arrange geometric forms in his work.
Completing the group is artist Angkrit Ajchariyasophon whose works have evolved and developed over various subjects, some of which include identity, news media, colonialism and globalisation. He draws inspiration from his life experiences.
"Messages" runs at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA Bangkok) until April 27. Visit facebook.com/ChavalitFestival or mocabangkok.com for more details.
