On Oct 24, the Royal Barge Procession along the Chao Phraya River will conclude the Royal Coronation Ceremony of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua.
Gearing up for spectacle, the Royal Thai Navy, in conjunction with Iconsiam and representatives of the public and private sectors, have organised the exhibition "Art Afloat", which opened yesterday on M Floor and 1st Floor of Iconsiam on Charoen Nakhon Road.
The multimedia exhibition is presented in three languages (Thai, English and Chinese) and looks at the history of how battle vessels evolved into the ornate barges used in royal ceremonies.
Art Afloat Iconsiam
The Royal Barge Procession involves 52 such vessels, whose history along with photographs and models are displayed in a gallery. Panorama Hologram technology allows visitors to get a closer look of the exquisite decorative elements of the four major royal barges, namely Suphannahong (Golden Swan), Anantanakkharat (Multi-headed Naga), Anekkachatphutchong (innumerable Naga figures) and Narai Song Suban King Rama IX.
Visually-impaired or blind visitors can touch stucco relief patterns taken from these four royal barges, and appreciate Thai craftsmanship in the meticulous decorations of each vessel.
Art Afloat Iconsiam
Visitors will receive a programme booklet that contains information about the Royal Barge Procession, whose virtual images along with the exhibition's content can be viewed through Augmented Reality (AR) technology using a mobile phone.
Running till Oct 31, the exhibition aims to promote national pride, particularly among youths, as well as introduce Thailand's rich cultural heritage and royal traditions to foreign visitors.
For further information, call Iconsiam Information Centre 1338.
