Beauty doesn't always mean fragility and this notion is reflected in "The Robust Flowers", which is running at RCB Galleria 4, 2nd floor of River City Bangkok, Charoen Krung 24, until Sept 10.
Artwork by Bookbank. photos courtesy of River City Bangkok
This is the first solo exhibition by Navapon Huanchaiyaphum, aka Bookbank, who has pursued his career in the art world for over a decade, producing realistic portrayals of human subjects that are widely acclaimed.
However, the show aims to take viewers into a fantastical world abloom in beauty and colour to meet a human species with an incongruous appearance.
Inspired by his love of flowers and fascinated with human anatomy -- specifically the musculature and movement of athletes -- he comes up with a collection of vibrant paintings that portray a man with a powerful body and a head framed by delicate petals.
Though flowers often signify joy, vitality and beauty, the artist observes that these qualities are inseparable from their innate frailty. With dainty leaves and spindly stems, flowers are not unlike human beings, who are born with flaws and imperfections.
If these flowers could reject the stereotypes imposed on them, he wonders if they instead desired to grow tall and strong like a majestic tree, what would they have to do?
The question was the initial spark that evolved into the idea of a powerful species of flower-kind that had acquired great strength and skill through gruelling training, a reflection of how we humans will strive relentlessly until we achieve success.
There is no admission fee.
Visit rivercitybangkok.com or call 02-237-0077/8.
Artwork by Bookbank. River City Bangkok
