Over the past year, countless artists have created work to pay tribute to the late King Bhumibol. From the solemn to the creative, the childlike to the unexpected, we pick some of the most striking pieces.
When the sun circles the sky and the time is 3.52pm, the fateful hour when King Bhumibol passed away on Oct 13 last year, a shadow casts the perfect angle and the image of the late king magically appears on the sundial. Designed by Burin Taravijitkul, Karn Kamkaew and Loy Chunpongthong of Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Architecture, this light-andshadow sculpture is a combination of mathematical precision, architectural creativity and love for the King. Photo: Faculty of architecture chiang mai university
A sculpture by Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch and Angkhana Panthongkam installed in a royally initiated project at Khao Cha-ngum in Ratchaburi. It depicts the late king standing while a boy pays respect at his feet. Photo: Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch
Sirichai Wongsungthong creates a tribute photograph using figures of the Japanese characters Doraemon and Nobita, both crying before the backdrop of the Royal Crematorium. Sirichai belongs to the group Bkk.Foto.Playground, which uses comic figurines to pose for pictures at various locations, many of them relating to the King’s funeral. Photo: Sirichai Wongsungthong
An artist called Kapi (facebook.com/kapi1987) captures the affection between King Bhumibol and his mother the late Princess Srinagarindra in this light-hearted illustration, paying utmost respect with a touch of childlike humour. Photo: fb.com/kapi1987
Nakrob Moonmanas is a respected artist known for his collage work fusing traditional Thai elements with postmodern aesthetics. Here’s one of his elegant, touching tributes to the late king.
‘The king is still watching over us with the same love from up there.’ A lovely tribute from artist Hungryeveryday (facebook.com/Hungryeveryday).
More than 100 students and alumni from Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts created paintings featuring nine portraits of King Bhumibol. The works now adorn the white walls of the university’s Tha Phra campus.
A series of mural paintings on the wall of the Silpakorn University was completed just aweek after the King’s passing, depicting the late monarch and his various artistic pursuits. A group of fine-arts students and lecturers worked day and night to finish the work. Photo: Patipat Janthong
