Almost 9,000 illustration works by illustrators and artists from Thailand and overseas will be showcased digitally during the "Bangkok Illustration Fair 2021 (BKKIF)", which kicks off tomorrow and runs until Sunday.
Hailed as the biggest gathering of illustrators and art lovers in Thailand, the fair is organised by Happening, a media group, in collaboration with What If, a professional event organiser, and designer/curator Decembell. It features both an online exhibition and offline activities.
This is the first opportunity to explore, free of charge, up to 4,690 fanciful works from the portfolios of 469 illustrators and artists from 12 countries, plus an additional 4,000 pieces by 150 candidates who have been selected in the final round as "BKKIF Artists 2021".
New Year's Resolution by Itsyadar from Thailand. photos courtesy of bangkokillustrationfair.com
Among the 150 BKKIF artists, 135 are from Thailand as well as Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia, the Netherlands and the US.
Viewers can support the artists by purchasing their items directly. They are also invited to vote for their favourite artists and get a chance to win the BKKIF 2021: Collection Book which compiles at least one artwork from the 150 BKKIF artists. It will be available for purchase at 350 baht.
Meanwhile, invited reviewers from many countries will explore BKKIF artists' portfolios, give comments, and pick some outstanding artists to work further with. They will also grant their favourite artists special rewards.
For illustrator wannabes, there will also be the "Bangkok Illustration Fair Talk: Begin" where 10 of the country's professional artists and illustrators will be sharing their experiences and lessons from when they started.
The speakers include ML Chiratorn Chirapravati, Arut Tantasirin (creator of Warbie Yama), Sa-ard, Yoon Phannapast, Caracasan, Yuree Kensaku, Juli Baker and Summer, Riety, Jiranarong, and Jackkrit Anantakul (HelloiamJK).
Rooftop Pool by Gitgo from Thailand. bangkokillustrationfair.com
The talk will be held at the Auditorium, 5th floor of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Pathumwan intersection, on Saturday, at 10am. Tickets cost 570 baht including a free postcard set and snacks. Seats are limited. It will also be live-streamed via Facebook: BKKIF, with an admission fee of 270 baht. Reservations can be made via happeningandfriends.com.
