Thailand’s art and fashion circles were treated to a special exhibition of abstract paintings by leading Thai fashion designer Nagara Sambandaraksa of the brand Nagara. The exhibition took place at the Hall of Fame on Siam Paragon shopping centre's M Floor.
Theeradej and Bussakorn Wongpuapan, Chulita Areepipatkul, Nagara Sambandaraksa, ML Piyapas Bhirombhakdi, Buppa Kingchatchaval and Chadatip Chutrakul at the opening ceremony.
Long celebrated for his luscious silk gowns printed with his own patterns and designs, Nagara’s artistic skills have always been highlighted in his fashion collections.
However, for the first time in his 30-year career, Nagara put 57 of his abstract paintings on display, and his fans turned out in force to witness the event, congratulate the artist.
It was also a chance to purchase a Nagara that would adorn their walls rather than their torsos.
And they were very happy to do that since part of the proceeds from the sale of the paintings would be donated to Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital for the construction of its new Medical Building Centre (150th Anniversary Celebration of the Queen Grandmother).
The choice of the charitable cause was jointly decided between Nagara and his host, Chadatip Chutrakul, the CEO of Siam Paragon shopping centre, whose idea it was to invite Nagara to exhibit his work.
The Nagara Painting Exhibition not only showcased the 57 large paintings that ranged in price from 60,000-280,000 baht, but also a limited edition of 220 printed satin scarves. For these, Nagara created special print designs on large pieces of satin that were cut and tailored into individual scarves of four differing patterns.
The prints were originally designed to showcase at the Maya Music Festival and are priced at 3,000 baht.
The abstract paintings used a mixed media technique of oil and acrylic on canvas. The explosive canvases were, according to the artist, an expression of his emotion and imagination in mainly black, red and gold. Although he said he had no particular inspiration for the artworks, he did acknowledge the influence of the late artist Thawan Duchanee, who is famous for his swift and bold brush strokes, and to whom he was very close.
Guests comprised friends and clients of the artist, most of whom arrived wearing vintage Nagara. Some had even created their own outfits from the special-edition scarf prints. They posed with their favourite canvases, while many clustered around the scarf counter, which did brisk business.
Jointly presiding over the opening ceremony were Ms Chadatip and Chulita Areepipatkul, editor of Ploy Kaem Petch magazine.
Joey Chantrasmi and Supakorn Vejjajiva.
Abstract painting by Nagara Sambandaraksa.
