Asian artists

Thai artist: Ezahn Bueraheng

2005-10-31T02:10:00.000-08:00

Young Thai artist Ezahn Bueraheng was born in 1981 in Southern Thailand in the city of Narathiwat. He came to study his art in Bangkok, where he obtained a bachelor of art form the Silapakorn University, and finally settled in the Thai capital where he now lives and works.

Whether Ezahn paints his distorted self-portrays or organize his favorite birds and insects in abstract and powerful lines, all his creations reveal the creative energy of the youth.

Ezahn Bueraheng is passionate about colors. Experimenting with mixes of oil and acrylic paints, he develops a forte for playing with the power of contrasted tones.

An emerging artist in the busy contemporary art scene, Ezahn is starting to exhibit his work to the public.

selected exhibitions:

2005: art festival, Chao Fah National Museum, Bangkok
2005: art festival, Chao Fah National Museum, Bangkok
2002: selected for the 7th art competition sponsored by Toshiba Thailand
2001: drawing and painting exhibition by the students of the Art Faculty, Silapakorn University
1997: selected for the art competition of the Pattani Club, Pattani

Discover this Thai artist creations at Thai artist: Ezahn Bueraheng

Asian artist: Arnon Sungvondee

2005-10-25T02:19:00.000-07:00

Born in 1975 in the Thai capital, Bangkok, Arnon Sungvondee is part of this brave new generation of Thai artists exploring the possibilities of a lesser known media: etching. He just graduated with a Master of Fine Art form the famous Silapakorn University in Bangkok.

Following the steps of Vira Jothaprasert, an emblematic figure of Thai modern art who dedicated his art to prints, etchings and monotypes, Arnon explores in his latest series the lives and hopes of disadvantaged people, struggling to survive in today’s society.

“Having been confronted in my personal life with the difficulties encountered by handicapped people, I chose to further study and represent their hopes as a way of showing in a broader sense the daily struggles of suffering persons. Legs are the real actors of my prints, personifying the elusive quest for happiness in a society that does not care anymore to help the less fortunate”, explains Arnon.

Talented Thai artist Arnon Sungvondee is a promising prospect. He has already been selected to participate to different international art exhibitions.

selected exhibitions:

2005: selected for the Hyogo international competition of painting, Kobe, Japan
2005: selected for the 4th international small Engraving exhibition, Cremona, Italy
2005: selected for the 51st national exhibition of art, Bangkok
2004: selected for the 50th national exhibition of art, Bangkok
2004: short listed for 16th art competition sponsored by Toshiba Thailand, Bangkok
2003: selected for the 49th national exhibition of art, Bangkok
2003: short listed for 15th art competition sponsored by Toshiba Thailand, Bangkok
2002: short listed for 14th art competition sponsored by Toshiba Thailand, Bangkok
2002: solo exhibition, Sofa Restaurant and gallery of the Silapakorn University, Bangkok
1999: selected for the 3rd Malaysian international exhibition of contemporary art, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

To view some of his latest etchings, follow: Thai artist: Arnon Sungvondeegphap

Asian artist exhibition: Fang Zhaoling: A Life in Painting - Asian Art Museum

2005-10-07T02:18:00.000-07:00

Fang Zhaoling: A Life in Painting – contemporary Chinese paintings - Asian Art Museum - October 1–November 13, 2005

From twentieth-century China’s political and social turbulence have emerged many women artists whose work tells remarkable stories of talent, will, and resilience.

Fang Zhaoling has many of these stories to tell. Widowed at an early age, Fang raised eight children and ran the family business amidst the civil turmoil of the 1950s. She turned to art for comfort from these challenges, and after years of prestigious training became an internationally respected painter.

Both politically charged and highly personal, Fang’s paintings reveal the energy and drive of an extraordinary woman. Learn more about the fascinating life of a one-of-a-kind artist in the first retrospective of her work in the United States, featuring 42 paintings that span the artist's prolific career and illustrate the extensive range of her work.

Organized by the Asian Art Museum

- For more information: +1 415 581 3500
- Location: 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Opening hours: The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours Thursdays until 9:00 PM. Closed Mondays.
- Admission: $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for youths 12–17, and free for children under 12. Thursday evenings after 5 PM admission is just $5 for all visitors except members and those under 12, who are always admitted free.

Preview future Asian artists exhibitions at, click: : Asian art news

Spirit of Art, exhibition by Asian artist Pratuang Emjaroen

2005-10-03T03:19:00.000-07:00

Spirit of Art by Asian artist Pratuang Emjaroen, The Queen’s Gallery Bangkok, 7 October 2005 – 24 January 2006

For Thai artist Pratuang Emjaroen, it is apparent that discovering the beauty of rice grains, lotus leaf and rays of lights on the horizon is what made the artist. Over 40 years, Pratuang has chosen his own path and found inspiration and artistic creativity from the beauty of nature.

70 years of rugged life as an artist, Pratuang persevered through hardship and has finally established himself firmly in the art circle. Pratuang’s stamina, commitment and creativity are evident in his historic series of work; namely, Universe , Dew Drops on Lotus Leaf, Magic of the River, Grain Rainbow, Lotus-Essence of Consciousness. They are the beauty he has imprinted onto the mother earth.

To honor the Asian artist’s accomplishment as well as to celebrate his 70th birthday anniversary, the Queen’s Gallery in cooperation with the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, Ministry of Culture is organizing a retrospective art exhibition entitled “Spirit of Art”. The exhibition compiles Pratuang’s works since 1963-2005 to reflect and record each step of his creative path.

The works on display are:
- Oil paintings: eye-opening works that shed lights on fields and display natural phenomenon on rivers, winds and the gentleness of rice fields
- Drawing: Accurate and yet gentle drawings with nature as a theme
- Poems: Weaving songs of journeys and the beauty of life

The exhibition also features the artist’s latest paintings created in the last two years (2004-2005). Other activities held during the exhibition include education and public programs at the Gallery, the books of selected collections of the artist’s paintings, drawings, prose writings and poems. Printed T-shirts and other memorabilia are available on sale.

For more information, please contact: Khun Apsornphan at The Queen’s Gallery, Tel. +662 2281 5360-1

To review future exhibitions by Asian artists, visit: Asian art news

After Tomorrow, A Solo Exhibition by Asian artist Vincent J.F. Huang

2005-09-28T02:31:00.000-07:00

After Tomorrow, A Solo Exhibition by Asian artist Vincent J.F. Huang, the Duolun MoMA, Sep. 28 to Oct. 6 2005

As cultural exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait become more and more frequent, Vincent J.F. Huang has been awarded studio space at the Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art for its Autumn 2005 Residency Program, in which he has been participating since September. Vincent is the first Asian artist from Taiwan to participate in a residency program at the Duolun MoMA, the first and for now the only professional museum of contemporary art in China supported by the government. From Sep. 28 to Oct. 6, Vincent will present the latest works accomplished during his residency at the Duolun MoMA. This is furthermore the first time for a Taiwanese artist to hold a solo exhibition in a government-funded museum of contemporary art in mainland China.

Thirty-four-year-old Taiwanese artist Vincent J.F. Huang currently works as a Senior Art Lecturer in the Department of Visual Communication in Kaohsiung ShuTe University in Taiwan after having obtained his MA in Art & Design from Scotland, U.K. He is also the curator for the Art Space of Life Science Library of Academia SINICA, Taipei.

Responding to the all-encompassing civilization achieved by science and technology currently sweeping the globe, “After Tomorrow”, an art exhibition in three parts, will explore some profound and thought-provoking issues, such as the conflicts brought about by scientific and technological developments and their impacts on humanity.

The exhibition will use the Chinese balefire, an ancient communication system using smoke to signal enemy attack, to symbolize the constant harassment of war that has plagued human society across the ages, and will metaphorize the changeable international situation into the pathological changes of the human body’s organs. Furthermore, via interactive works composed of large sums of IT parts to symbolize the means of communication in our high-tech and science-based civilization, the exhibition will unfold an unpredictable future caused by scientific and technological developments.

1. Balefire Project (Documentation)

This documentary video will give a complete picture of the Balefire Project that took place in Kaohsiung (Gaoxiong), Taiwan two years ago and was named the most powerful and controversial performance piece during the last decade in South Taiwan.

2. Global Integration “Installationฃ”

The artist will paint national flags and other relevant images representing different countries on models of the human body’s organs. The pathological change of the human body’s organs is a metaphor for the changeable and complicated international situation, while the operation of the human body is compared to the conflicts between races and economies.

3. Nice to Meet You (Installation)

Large sums of abandoned IT parts will be used to compose a Magic Bean-like IT monster with many long, narrow strips and branches. This interactive installation will greet visitors by shaking hands with them while secretly trying to attack the visitors with its underlying branches and strips. It will be the sort of unknown and unpredictable creature produced by the rapid developments of science and technology that bites back at our human society. In view of the global trend of worshipping high technology, the artist wants to discuss relevant issues, such as human beings’ proud and persistent exploration of science and technology, the illusions of the resulting civilization, and the worries of the biting-back phenomenon. We can’t help asking ourselves: where will the worship of high technology lead us? To a Utopia-like new world or to a future doomsday?

To review future Asian artists’ exhibitions, visit: Asian art news

Asian artist: Anon Phongphap

2005-09-26T03:39:00.000-07:00

Anon Phongphap is a young and promising Thai artist that just graduated from the renowned Silapakorn University with a master of fine arts.

Unlike most emerging Thai artists that favor paintings on canvas, Anon devotes his time to the arts of prints, etchings and monotypes. His deliberate choice for these difficult techniques contrasts with his favorite subjects and matters: dreams and teddy bears!

An atypical character, Anon finds inspiration while lying in bed in the morning and creates a world where his childhood’s favorite stuffed bear floats in a dreamy world of hope and concerns.

Anon Phongphap displays a very mature technique for his young age and many experts see in him the creativity, talents and skills of a future great artist.

selected group exhibitions:

2004: selected for the national art exhibition organized in celebration of the Democracy Day, Bangkok
2003: art thesis exhibition by graduating students from The Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silapakorn University Bangkok
2002: prints exhibitions, art students exchange between the Japanese Tama Art University and the Thai Silapakorn University, Tokyo and Bangkok

To see of his latest contemporary figurative canvas, follow: Thai artist: Anon Phongphap

Asian artist: Yuttakorn Pengwisai

2005-09-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

Born in 1974 in the Northern town of Lopburi, Thailand, Thai artist Yuttakorn Pengwisai attended the Faculty of Fine Arts of the the Burapha University in Chonburi and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (specialization in paintings). He is now living and working from his home and studio in Bangkok.

His paintings are inspired by the natural elegance and uniqueness of the lotus flower. Yuttakorn has always felt very strongly about lights and shadows, enjoying the intensity and magical qualities that can be achieved with variations of whites, blacks and grays.

Hardly using colors, he has developed a style that is unique and naturally elegant. The results are highly stylized compositions that are both artistic and decorative.

Asian artist Yuttakorn has taken part in various national exhibitions and has already received numerous awards. He has also been commissioned by interior designers to execute different series of decorative paintings.

selected exhibitions and awards:
2004: Thai art festival, National Gallery, Bangkok.
1998: selected for the 44th national Thai art exhibition, Bangkok
1998: selected for the 20th Thai contemporary art competition sponsored by the Thai Farmer Bank, Bangkok
1998: selected for the 10th Thai art competition sponsored by Toshiba Thailand, Bangkok
1998: selected for the 13th art competition sponsored by the Petroleum Authority of Thailand, Bangkok
1997: special prize, 2nd art competition sponsored by Mitsubishi Thailand, Bangkok
1996: special prize, Land and Seascape of Chonburi art exhibition, Chonburi, Thailand
1996: selected for the art competition sponsored by Mitsubishi Thailand, Bangkok
1996: selected for the 14th Thai young artists contemporary exhibition, Bangkok
1996: selected for the 9th Thai art competition sponsored by Toshiba Thailand, Bangkok
1996: selected for the 19th Thai contemporary art competition sponsored by the Thai Farmer Bank, Bangkok
1995: 2nd prize, Land and Seascape of Chonburi art exhibition, Chonburi, Thailand

To discover some of his latest modern figurative paintings, follow: Asian artist: Yuttakorn Pengwisai

Inviting Asian artists: Launch of the 2006 Sovereign Asian Art Prize

2005-09-14T01:25:00.000-07:00

The Sovereign Art Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of the 3rd annual Sovereign Asian Art Prize and that the competition is now open for entries.

The Sovereign Art Foundation invites the Asian regions best artists to compete for the first prize of US$25,000 so the best of Asian art can be showcased in a prestigious exhibition followed by an auction that will be held in association with Sotheby’s.

The 2005 Sovereign Asian Art Prize received over 550 entries and raised over US$150,000 through the auction of the top 29 finalists at a gala dinner sponsored by Bvlgari.

The Sovereign Art Foundation uses the money raised to further support the arts through various scholarships and grants. The Sovereign Art Foundation Fellowship was set up in conjunction with the Asian Cultural Council. The first recipient of this Fellowship has just been announced and is Mr Dikdik Sayadikumulla from Bangdung, Indonesia who will be going to New York to further his career on an arts programme for six months.

The Sovereign Art Foundation also supports various other organisations and projects such as the Peace Art Project, Cambodia, that teaches young artists to make sculptures from decommissioned weapons, as well as the Youth Arts Festival in Hong Kong who set up programmes to assist handicapped children to participate in the arts.

Whilst the competition is open to anyone we would be particularly pleased to hear from established artists who can contribute to our charitable efforts to worthy charitable artistic causes and help less well off artists by submitting work.

Along with the US$25,000 first prize there will be the Schoeni Prize that is decided purely by public vote and carries a cash prize of US$1,000.

A list of distinguished and expert judges from around the region will soon be announced.

Enquiries: Tiffany Pinkstone - tiffany@sovereignartfoundation.com

To read the latest Asian art news and review future Asian art exhibitions, visit: Asian art news

bookson Asian artists: Wu Shanzhuan - Red Humour International

2005-09-12T03:59:00.000-07:00

Asia Art Archive's first extensive research and publication project, a bilingual monograph on Chinese artist, Wu Shanzhuan's work, is now available for sale.

Born in Zhoushan, China in 1960, Wu Shanzhuan's work spans over 20 years and includes paintings, installations, performances, photography and drawings. Calling his work "Red Humour", Wu Shanzhuan began in 1986 to create a visual world of slogans and illustrated texts that parodied the Cultural Revolution. His subversive imagination creates havoc in the structure of any ideology, especially ideological content imbedded in public language.

Designed by Ou Ning, the publication includes commissioned texts by Jaspar Lau Kinwah, Gao Minglu, Ursula Panhans-Buhler, Qiu Zhijie, Gao Shiming, an interview with the artist by Martina Koeppel-Yang and unpublished works and writings by the artist. Foreword by Norman Bryson.

"Wu Shanzhuan is one of the most important conceptualists in contemporary Chinese art since the end of the Cultural Revolution, however, his pioneering artwork and insightful thought remains misunderstood by generations of contemporary Chinese artists." – Excerpt from essay by Gao Minglu for the book

Publisher: Asia Art Archive
Editors: Jaspar Lau Kin-wah and Susan Acret
Authors: Norman Bryson, Jaspar Lau Kin-wah, Gao Minglu, Ursula Panhans-Buhler, Qiu Zhijie, Gao Shiming
Pages: 288
Price: Hard Back HK$380/ US$49, Soft Back HK$350/ US$45

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Shanghai Duolun MoMA and Zendai MoMA Asian Artists Residency Program

2005-09-07T03:28:00.000-07:00

Launched in early 2005, the Shanghai Duolun MoMA’s artist residency program has been one of the museum’s main projects serving the goal to cultivate and celebrate artistic talent and achievements and to promote a larger public understanding of and appreciation for contemporary culture. In March this year, the first residency was successfully accomplished through two female artists: Susanne Winterling from Germany and Sookoon Ang from Singapore, who both stayed two months working on their projects in Shanghai.

The Curatorial Board has chosen two artists among 15 applicants from all over the world for the 2005 Fall residency program: Vincent J.F. Huang from Taiwan and Christina Shmigel from the United States.

Taiwanese artist: Vincent J.F. Huang

We are proud to announce that the artist Vincent J.F. Huang is the first Taiwanese artist to participate in a public museum’s residency program in mainland China. His work focuses on the relationship between civilization’s developments and its conflicts. While at the Shanghai Duolun MoMA, he will enact the Magic Bean Project. Collecting hundreds of kilograms of crushed IT parts (circuit boards, computer chipsets) and composing them along many long, narrow vine-like strips, he will express issues about technology communication and system operation by making his “technology vines” grow up in the interior workshop space in the Duolun MoMA each day during his residency period.

Christina Shmigel

Christina’s sculpture and installation address the qualities that give a particular place its identity. By interpreting in sculpture the places in which she lives, she comes to know the particular way in which those places reveal their humanity. Having come from St. Louis in the United States to Shanghai, she has found that Shanghai’s use of its urban space is entirely different from that of St. Louis.

Drawing on her study of Chinese garden design, she plans to identify and explore this difference during her residency. She will take advantage of the nature of the studio at the museum - a kind of light box with its parallel glass walls- to create a changing series of installations in the window space. Visitors will be able to view into and through these tableaux as they pass by in the corridor.

Besides working on their projects during their two month residencies, the artists will be directly involved in the museum’s education program and will organize workshops in order to share their ideas with the public. The artists’ studios at the Shanghai Duolun MoMA will operate as open studios so that the audience can visit them during the museum’s opening hours and talk with the artists.

To stay informed on the latest news in Asian art, click on Asian art news

Asian artist: Prateep Kochabua

2005-09-01T01:50:00.000-07:00

Having graduated with a bachelor of fine arts from the prestigious Silapakorn University, Asian artist Prateep Kochabua started his artistic career in advertising. Rapidly recognized for his creative talents, he held different art directors positions in international advertising agencies in Bangkok.

In 1992, Thai artist Prateep Kochabua decided to dedicate his life to his true passion: painting. One of the first Thai artists to explore surrealism, he is today unanimously recognized as one of the precursor of Asian surrealism.

In his series presented on Asiannouveau.com, Prateep Kochabua explores erotic surrealism.

Nude paintings are still taboo to some Thai art collectors, and Prateep emphasizes his playful approach to the theme: “It is said that surreal artists often have sexual oppression. Their works, usually not openly erotic, often reveal a certain ambiguity, show exposed complicated forms, but they are always amusing. Looking at viewers reactions, it seems to be true in my case too.” says Prateep.

Prateep Kochabua has exhibited his work nationally and internationally. He hopes that other Thai artists will follow him in his surrealist experiments. “I have heard that surrealism is gaining popularity among young Thai art students. And I am happy to see more surreal works coming out in Thailand. I felt sad to be doing surreal paintings alone”, says Prateep.

selected exhibitions – 1995-2005:

- Thai artists group exhibition, Thai art during the reign of King Rama 9, Queen Sirikit convention center, Bangkok
- solo exhibition, “balance of power”, River City, Bangkok
- Thai artists group exhibition in celebration of the King 72nd anniversary, Seacon Square, Bangkok
- selected for the Osaka Asian art triennale 2001, Osaka, Japan
- Thai artists group exhibition, Mekong River, Siam Commercial Bank head office, Bangkok
- international Asian art exhibition, in celebration of the 75th birthday of the Sultan of Hedah Dural Aman, Malaysia
- solo art exhibition, “sur-episode”, Atelier art gallery, Bangkok
- selected with 6 other Thai artists for the “Fly THAI with Thai Artists” exhibition sponsored by Thai Airways Public Company.
- selected for the 21st exhibitions of Thai contemporary art, Silom Galleria, Bangkok
- Thai artists group exhibition, “Phuket – the pearl of the Andaman”, Queen’s Gallery, Bangkok

To view his latest paintings, follow: Thai artist: Prateep Kochabua

young Chinese artists at the Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art

2005-08-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

920 Kilograms, the Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art

920 Kilograms Art Exhibition, the Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art
August 19, 2005 –September 16, 2005

920 Kg, an exhibition to be launched in August at Shanghai Duolun MoMA, will showcase a group of young Chinese artists’ works in the forms of photography, video, installation, paintings and multimedia, etc.

Guided by cognitive experiences, audiences are enabled to make their own judgments about the show’s intention as well as the qualities of the works, by following the title and index of the exhibition. When high hopes are placed on the title as much as on the exhibits, people are obsessed with a certain kind of denomination which is supposed to be overwhelming, profound, easy-to-read (though sometimes unreadable), yet most importantly, mysterious and covert.

It can be found in a variety of dazzling titles since the late 1990s that the title and the experiment of art are both born with a mission. According to the traditional definition, a name, corresponding to a concrete object, must have its significance. Whereas exceptions still exist. Ludwig Wittgenstein held that the value of a word lies in its usage rather than in the connection between word and the signified. Do the establishment and option of a subject correspond to the meaning of the word? Actually those ineffable parts are manifested in practical use.

920 Kg will wind up replaced by the collective weight of participating artists, like a farcical mathematical game. Since weighing our body is likely to provide us with an alternative method. And in this way our horizon of art creation might be broadened. As far as human body is concerned, there is a long history of such a body-as-material approach in which registered a number of cases of abuse. Nudity has got legalized in the context of esthetics, and more attention has been drawn upon the explicit depict of our bodies. A new chapter in art history is calling on us to adopt an updated view of body – no longer reckoned and handled as a taboo – to refine the art of our generation. Then 920 Kg will work as an occasion of examination.

Does the sum of weight of artists, or rather those Arabic figures that we reached at last reflect the show itself? Chances are that this time our good grip of Picture Theory of Language and Basic Semiotics will be of little help. Therefore to understand 920 Kg is a matter of time and effort while contemporary artworks are put in a dilemma by the over-interpretation and the strict pursuit of a private vocabulary. In the end, the only way out is resorting to the works per se.

The young Chinese artists: Li Mu & Zhang Fang, Peng Yun, Huang Kui, Liu Bo, Chi Peng, Li Xiaosong, Luo Xiaodong, Ma Qiusha, Wu Ye, Su Wenxiang, Li Yu, Wang Jun, Shi Wanwan, Si-K

Venue: 1-2FShanghaiDuolunMuseum of Modern Art (No.27, Duolun Road, Shanghai)
Opening: August 19, 2005 19:00 Friday
Art Director: Shen Qibin
Academic Organizers: Gu Zheqing
Curator: Su Wenxiang
Media Coordinator: Feng Ruoyu
Technical Assistance: Sheng Shanyuan, Bao Zhengyuan

To read the latest Asian art news and review future Asian art exhibitions, visit: Asian art news

Asian artist: Metropolis vs. Mother Earth by Thanagorn Taratham

2005-08-24T01:26:00.000-07:00

Metropolis vs. Mother Earth, a solo exhibition, by Thanagorn Taratham, 22nd August – 11th September, 2005, Gallery 55 Bangkok

Exhilarating colours, sharp lines & haunting images form the basis of Asian painter cum theatre actor/director THANAGORN TATATHAM’s first solo exhibition titled “Metropolis vs. Mother Earth”, which shows at Gallery 55 Bangkok from 22nd of August through 18th of September.

The Asian artist explored his personal perceptions of the over-development of the city he lives in & its devastating effect on the people through large canvases of surrealism expressions. Twisted forms of human bodies, violated natural landscape, deformed existence & corrupted souls are boldly displayed in this 15 piece-collection of 4-year labour. It is nothing but a far cry from someone who undoubtedly has a deep, special feeling for the city he lives in & the nature he tries to hold on to.

Born in Ubonrachantani in 1973, Asian artist THANAGORN earned his B.A. in painting from Rajamangala University of Technology. He became an art director & then theatre actor/director after graduation & is currently working with B-FLOOR Theatre Group on various projects.

Gallery 55
2nd Floor, CRC Tower, All Seasons Place Retail Centre
87 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330
Tel: 02 6853877

To review the future Asian art exhibitions, visit: Asian art news

Asian artist: Panya Chaitientong

2005-08-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

Born in 1957, Panya Chaitientong is one of Thailand’s most recognized pencil Asian artists. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the Chulalongkorn University, Panya practiced and refined his skills by drawing his favorite animal: the elephant.

A strong advocate of the Thai wild elephants’ conservation, he donated many of his works to be auctioned for different wildlife conservation charities.

Although still very much involved in elephants’ conservation, Panya Chaitientong started, a few years ago, to take a keen interest in pre-Angkorian and Angkorian architectures. He traveled extensively in the Eastern regions of Thailand, where many pre-Angkorian temples are found, and to the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

“The first time I saw this extraordinary monuments, I was struck by their magnificence and the infinite details of the engravings. I realized that the courageous craftsmen who created those temples where driven by a celestial force. They were not just working, they were expressing their love for the Gods”, says Asian artist Panya.

“I was moved by their devotion and tried to capture and communicate their divine inspiration in my drawings”.

The drawings presented on asian nouveau are part of his last series of creations.

selected exhibitions:

2005: solo exhibition, Thai elephants someday, Jamjuree art gallery, Bangkok
2005: the exquisite elephants, River City Bangkok and Santiburi Hotel Koh Samui
2004: art exhibition celebrating the Thai national elephant day, Aya Pura Resort, Koh Chang, Thailand
2003: art for the elephants, Hilton Hotel, Bangkok
1987: Thai contemporary art exhibition, the Artist Gallery, Bangkok
1983: art exhibition of the group of Thai artists Incognito, Institute of Modern Art Silpa Bhirasri
1982: Thai contemporary art exhibition sponsored by the Thai Farmer bank, Thailand
1981: 27th national art exhibition, Bangkok

To view his latest drawings, follow: Asian artist: Panya Chaitientong

Asian artist: Somkiat Kaewnok

2005-08-19T02:03:00.000-07:00

life' chronicles

Born in 1971 in the South of Thailand, Asian artist Somkiat Kaewnok completed his formal education with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Songkla. Currently living and working in Phuket, he is quickly becoming a foreign collectors’ favorite, enamored with his unique style and the surrealist poetry of his paintings.

inspirations and creations

Somkiat has always been fascinated with the women from the Padung hill tribes, who are putting brass rings around their neck to squash the vertebra and collar bones and make them look like they have long necks.

Originally representing Padung characters only, Thai artist Somkiat Kaewnok later moved to paint other inhabitants from the South of Thailand, but all were shown with extremely long neck. A surrealist poetry emanates from all his paintings, always elegant despite the use of bright color tones.

Lately, his style has become more fluid and curvaceous, migrating progressively to a more abstract representation of his favorite long neck personages.

Somkiat Kaewnok has taken part to numerous exhibitions in the last ten years and despite his young age, is now widely recognized as a leading figure of Southern Thailand art scene.

selected exhibitions:

2005: Thai artists exhibitions in celebration of the Queen Sirikit anniversary, Bangkok
2005: Unseen in frame art exhibition, Ayuthaya Contemporary Art Gallery, Thailand
2004: Southern lifestyle, Southern Cultural art gallery, Songkla Nakarin University, Patanee
2004: exhibition by the Rusamilae group of Thai artists, Jamjuree art center, Bangkok
2004: art for nature, Phuket and Krabi, Thailand
2003: Thai artists exhibitions in celebration of the Queen Sirikit anniversary, Bangkok
2002: four dimensions of imagination, Siam Museum, Hadyai, Thailand
2002: Thai artists exhibitions organized by the Thai Red Cross in honor of the Queen Sirikit, Bangkok
2000: colors of peace, exhibition of the Dharma Group of Thai artists, Phuket, Thailand
1997: Thai artists exhibition, blooming flowers, King Rama IX park, Bangkok
1996: colors of the Andaman, Dusit Laguna Hotel, Phuket, Thailand
1994: 12th contemporary art exhibition sponsored by the Samila Group, city of Trang, Thailand
1993: Southern Thailand artists exhibitions, fine arts of Andaman artists, Club Andaman Beach resort, Phuket, Thailand
1992: art exhibition in celebration of the grand opening of the art gallery of the Nakornsrithammarat College of Arts, Nakornsrithammarat, Thailand
1991: art exhibition sponsored by Toshiba Thailand, Nakornsrithammarat, Thailand
1991: Thai artists exhibition, Phuket Andaman Painting -2, Phuket, Thailand

To view some of his latest paintings, follow: Asian artist: Somkiat Kaewnok

Asian artists: The Martell Contemporary Asian Art Research Grant winners

2005-08-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

The Asia Art Archive is pleased to announce the successful applicants of "The Martell Contemporary Asian Art Research Grant"

Richard Streitmatter-Tran, Vietnam
Mediating the Mekong: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos

Richard Streitmatter-Tran (b. 1972, Bien Hoa, Vietnam) is an artist and researcher working and living in Ho Chi Minh City. He has exhibited or performed work in the United States, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Korea, most recently at the 2004 Gwangju Biennale. He is an arts correspondent for the Asia Pacific region and regular contributor to Art.Es, a bilingual Spanish/English arts magazine published in Madrid.

Recent articles include “The Negative Space of Jun Nguyen-Hatsushiba” and 2004 Biennale reports on Gwangju, Busan and Shanghai. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the Studio for Interrelated Media at the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. He was a Teaching Fellow at Harvard University from 2000-2004 and conducted media arts research at the MIT Media Lab in 2000. Recently he was Visiting Lecturer for the Contemporary Video Arts Workshop at the Ho Chi Minh Fine Arts University in December 2003 and was an artist-in-residence with the Chiang Mai Artist in Residence Program (CARP) in January 2004.

He is scheduled to speak in August 2005 in Japan with the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) in the session, Visualizing Asia: Global Culture and National Narratives in Contemporary Asian Art.

Leeza Ahmady, New York
Unveiling Contemporary Art in Central Asia: Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan

Leeza Ahmady was born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan and arrived to New York in 1987 as a young teenager. Apart from teaching and performing traditional Afghan dance, Ahmady is an independent art curator, educator, and arts administrator. She is currently working as the Managing Director of Asian Contemporary Art Week, at the Asia Society. Recently completed the Pratt Institute, New York City with a Masters degree in Arts and Cultural Management, where she researched the development and promotion of contemporary art in Central Asia and its neighboring regions for her thesis.

Ahmady is a founding member of two non-profit organizations: NURTURArt Non Profit, and School of Hope. She is also an advisory member of the Center for Contemporary Arts in Afghanistan. (CCAA)

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Young Thai artists exchange project - 6+1+1

2005-08-08T03:46:00.000-07:00

The Young Artist Exchange Project is an exchange and exhibition program for Thai artists who work in sculpture. It is a three-year continuing project.

Its aim is to develop a mutual understanding of artists from Thailand with other parts of Europe. This program will involve eight artists; six from Thailand, one from Italy and one from Spain.

The first exhibition is titled “6+1+1 ” and is to be held at Silpakorn University Art Gallery and will continue on to Spain and Italy respectively.

The Thai and European artists involved in the project are:
1. Mr. Veerawat Sirivesmas
2. Mr. Paiyan Banjongklieng
3. Mr. Noppadon Viroonchatapun
4. Mr. Sirinit Derujijaraen
5. Mr. Pasut Kranrattanasuit
6. Ms. Tuksina Pipitkul
7. Mr.Thomas Jose Pons
8. Mr. Sasha Sebastian Vinci Mortillaro

Exhibition in Thailand at the Silpakorn University Art Gallery, Bangkok: August 22 - September 13, 2005: Opening reception on August 22, 2005 at 18.00 p.m.

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Asian artist: Wang Xu

2005-08-05T02:14:00.000-07:00

Born in Nantong, Zhejiang Province, China, in 1949 WANG, Xu grew up in Beijing. After spending some years in Inner Mongolia during the Cultural Revolution, he returned to Beijing and was engaged to work as art designer in the county cultural office.

In 1981 he enrolled in the Teacher Training Course of the Fine Art Department at the Central Minorities Academy where he specialised in traditional Chinese painting. In 1987 he was appointed to work in the Beijing Art Museum. Relocating to Sydney in 1989, in 1997 he studied art at Meadowbank Technical College. In the following year he enrolled in the College of Fine Art at the University of New South Wales where he obtained his BA with Honours in 2000, and his MA in 2002.

In recent years Wang Xu has departed from painting in the traditional Chinese style he had studied in China. The urban scenes of Sydney fascinate him. For him the streets, buildings, cars, and the Harbour Bridge vibrate with energy, and this has led him to change to painting with oils on canvas, and with bold strokes and primary colours that reflect the raw energy and motion that he perceives.

Since arriving in Sydney in 1989, Wang Xu has held five solo exhibitions, the most recent being “Recent Works by Wang Xu” at the Barry Stern, in 2003, and his work has been selected for numerous group exhibitions.

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Asian artist: Hu Ming

2005-08-03T03:34:00.000-07:00

Book on Asian artist: The Oil Painting of Hu Ming

Of Mongolian ancestry from Shandong Province, China, Asian artist Hu Ming was born in Beijing in 1955. During the Cultural Revolution, at the age of fifteen, she joined the People’s Liberation Army and worked mostly in hospital and broadcasting units.

She was granted leave in 1979 to study in the Tianjin Art Academy, and on graduating was assigned work as artistic designer in the film production unit. She retired from the Army after twenty years’ service in 1985 with the rank of major.

She won major painting prizes from the 1970s in China and her first major work, “Heavenly Pool Borrows the Moon”, has been collected by the Tianjin Museum. She travelled to New Zealand in 1990 where she abandoned painting with Chinese ink on rice paper. Her training in traditional Chinese Gongbi style came to be executed exclusively in oils on canvas.

She has taken the depiction of the nude female body to new dimensions with works that exude a unique sensuality and truthfulness. In 1999 she relocated to Australia where she is establishing herself as an important Sydney-based artist through solo exhibitions.

The Oil Painting of Hu Ming, by Hu Ming
Publisher: Wild Peony
ISBN: 1 876957 07 7
Includes 37 full-page colour reproductions, 79 pp. September 2004. Soft cover: AUS $45.00.

Wild Peony specialises in English-language publications on Asia, and Asia-West cross-cultural literary writings.

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Asian artist: Pongsiri Kiddee

2005-07-26T03:20:00.000-07:00

Pongsiri Kiddee is one of Thailand’s most promising emerging artists. Born in 1977 in Nakorn Si Thanmarat, Thailand, he is currently furthering his formal education with a Master in graphic arts from the prestigious the Silapakorn University.

Although still a young artist, Pongsiri Kiddee displays a very matured technique in all his print creations. Passionate about the different printing techniques he continuously refines his skills, combining bright colors and abstract shapes in harmonious compositions.

For Pongsiri, “everything, whether manmade like a building of shaped by nature like a landscape, is composed of simple geometrical forms: circles, triangles, oblongs, squares”. Playing with bright colors, he creates unique compositions where the blurry shapes of buildings contrasts on a background of forms.

Much of his inspiration stems from his love for his country natural and cultural heritage, although his work definitely places him in the Thai art avant-garde.

Pongsiri Kiddee has taken part in numerous national and international exhibitions in the last five years and has already received an impressive number of awards.

selected exhibitions and awards:

2005: third prize, 27th Bualuang art competition sponsored by the Bangkok Bank, Thailand
2005: third prize, 5th contemporary art competition sponsored by Panasonic, Bangkok
2005: first prize, 20th art competition sponsored by Thai Petroleum Ltd., Bangkok
2005: outstanding prize / TSGA Awards 2005 from the Thai screen printing & graphic imaging association
2004: special prize, 1st art competition sponsored by Samart Ltd., Bangkok
2004: special prize, 16th art competition sponsored by Toshiba (Thailand) Ltd., Bangkok
2004: second prize, graphic arts, 50th national art exhibition, national gallery, Bangkok
2003: selected for the 2nd international biennial of mini-prints, Tetovo, Macedonia
2003: selected for the 15th art competition sponsored by Toshiba (Thailand) Ltd., National Gallery, Bangkok
2002: selected for the 4th contemporary art competition sponsored by Panasonic, Bangkok
2002: selected for the 14th art competition sponsored by Toshiba (Thailand) Ltd., Bangkok
2002: receives a scholarship Grant from the Gen. Prem Tinnasulanon’s Artistic creation Foundation
2001: selected for 48th national Asian art exhibition, national gallery, Bangkok
2001: selected for the 11th international prints biennial, Varna, Bulgaria
2001: selected for the 3rd international prints art festival Gravura Evora, Portugal
2001: selected for the 3rd international mini-prints biennial Cluf-Napoca, Romania
2001: second prize (contemporary paintings), 25th Bualuang art competition sponsored by the Bangkok Bank, Thailand
2001: selected for 47th national Asian art exhibition, national gallery, Bangkok
2001: second prize, 18th national young artists exhibition, Bangkok
2000: 22nd contemporary art exhibition sponsored by the Thai Farmers bank, Bangkok
2000: selected for 17th national young Asian artists exhibition, Bangkok
1999: selected for 16th national young Asian artists exhibition, Bangkok
1995: first prize, high school and college category, 7th art competition sponsored by Toshiba (Thailand) Ltd., Bangkok

To discover his work and explore the latest trends in Asian art, visit: Asian art

Asian artist: Vira Jothaprasert

2005-07-21T00:10:00.000-07:00

Born in 1934 in Bangkok and deceased in 2002, Vira Jothaprasert was an emblematic figure of Thai modern art. He furthered his education in Italy at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma after graduating from the Faculty of Painting of the Silapakorn University.

An enthusiastic character, Vira Jothaprasert especially favored the watercolor and etching techniques. He is remembered as one of the few artists dedicated to the arts of prints, etchings and monotypes. His latest etchings were often adorned with decorative Thai touches: curved lines, non perspective, patterned backdrops and props of Thai handicrafts. They resembled the early period of Thai visual art works, which combined both western techniques and Thai spirit.

An associate Professor at the Faculty of Decorative Arts, Silapakorn University, Vira Jothaprasert was awarded five medals in painting and graphic arts from the prestigious national art exhibition in the 1960s. His work is held in numerous private and public collections, including the permanent collection of the National Museum of Art of Argentina.

selected exhibitions:
2002: solo exhibition, Surapon Gallery, Bangkok
1997: contemporary art exhibition in celebration of the 55th anniversary of the Silapakorn University, Bangkok
1996: 50 famous Thai artists exhibition in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the accession to throne of his Majesty the Kong of Thailand
1995: national art exhibition, Bangkok
1970: ASEAN art exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Manila and Bangkok.
1968: national art exhibition, Bangkok
1968: international exhibition of graphic arts, Yugoslavia, Germany, Japan, France and the U.S.A.
1967: national art exhibition, Bangkok
1966: national art exhibition, Bangkok
1965: solo exhibition, Asoke Gallery, Bangkok
1960: national art exhibition, Bangkok

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Asian artist: Yoshitaka Amano

2005-07-19T04:38:00.000-07:00

A new book is dedicated to the works of Yoshitaka Amano: AMANO: THE COMPLETE PRINTS OF YOSHITAKA AMANO

Japanese artist Yoshitaka Amano began his career with exceptional design work on fan-favorite anime such as Gatchaman/G-Force and Time Bokan and popular graphic novels Sandman: The Dream Hunters and Wolverine & Elektra: The Redeemer, but it wasn't until he turned his attention to the medium of printmaking that his artistic genius began to flower. Drawing from influences as diverse as Art Nouveau and Art Deco traditions, American comics, Japanese ukiyo-e, and traditional fantasy illustration, Amano's prints capture a breathtaking world -- sometimes whimsical, sometimes luxurious, and sometimes terrifying.

Amano: The Complete Prints showcases hundreds of these captivating works, comprising an impressive, comprehensive look at one of the art world's visionary talents. Art scholar and critic Unno Hiroshi contributes an insightful message on Amano, the genesis of this style, and his place in the panoply of art history. Also included is a brief timeline noting the high points of the artist's career.

AMANO: THE COMPLETE PRINTS OF YOSHITAKA AMANO
Author: YOSHITAKA AMANO
Publisher: HARPER DESIGN I
Available at ASIA BOOKS

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Asian artist: Sarasin Chatvichitkul

2005-07-08T02:37:00.000-07:00

Born 1977 in Thailand, Asian artist Sarasin Chatvichitkul is one of Thailand most praised young mix-media artist. He completed his formal education with a Master of Fine Arts from the Ladkrabang University.

Sarasin's works reflect on Thailand ancestors’ spiritual beauty. He incorporates elements of traditional temple decorations and animist symbols in his creation to praise the faith of Thailand past generations.

While highly symbolist, all his creations demonstrate an intuitive sense of beauty. Marrying dark, red and gold colors, he plays with colors and volumes to assemble panels of wood and create harmonious and intriguing works of art.

Sarasin has taken part in numerous exhibitions in the last four years and has already received an impressive number of awards.

selected Asian art exhibitions and awards:

2004: gold award winner, 1st Asian artists exhibition sponsored by Samart Thailand, Siam Discovery, Bangkok
2004: selected for the 16th Asian artists competition sponsored by Thai Petroleum Ltd., Bangkok
2004: 50th national art exhibition, National Gallery, Bangkok
2003: print exhibition, Silapakorn University, Thailand and Tama art University, Japan
2003: 2nd international small print biennale of Tetovo, Macedonia
2002: 3rd prize category mix-media, fine art exhibition, River City, Bangkok
2001: 47th national art exhibition, National Gallery, Bangkok, Thailand
2001: international print triennale of Kanagawa, Yokohama, Japan
2000: selected for the 12th art competition sponsored by Toshiba (Thailand) Ltd., National Gallery, Bangkok
2000: 46th national art exhibition, National Gallery, Bangkok, Thailand
2000: art exhibition, Thai Farmers Bank building, Bangkok

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Asian artist: Charoen Marboot

2005-07-06T03:07:00.000-07:00

Born in 1973 in Thailand, Asian artist Charoen Marboot graduated in 1997 from the Rajamangka Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (specialization in Thai traditional paintings). He currently works for the National Fine Arts Departments of the Ministry of Culture of Thailand and actively contributes to the preservation of Thai traditional paintings.

Passionate about the subjects and matters of traditional Thai mural paintings, Charoen Marboot developed a very mature and detailed technique by working on different high profile restoration projects. From 2001 to 2003, he took an active part in the restoration of some of the mural paintings in the Royal Palace in Bangkok.

Most of his themes are based on Thailand's ancient way of life and history. “I want to present the traditions and legends that are part of our culture to preserve our heritage”, says Asian artist Charoen. His creative philosophy is strongly influenced by Buddhism teachings. “Painting is a form of meditation. When I seat in front of my easel, I clear my mind and concentrate only on my work. I believe that pure beauty can be achieved when the artist’s mind is not obstructed by any thoughts. I want to create a calming beauty that ease our mind and invite to meditation”.

A recognized artist in Thailand, Charoen Marboot has already taken part in numerous exhibitions and gained various awards in recognition of his work.

selected exhibitions and awards:

2005: Amata art exhibition, National Gallery, Bangkok
2004: “smooth as a brush” art exhibition, River City, Bangkok
2003: traditional Thai art exhibition, River City, Bangkok
2001: 47th national art exhibition, Bangkok, Thailand
2001: 2nd prize, paintings on rice clothes competition initiated by His Majesty The King of Thailand
2000: silk screen paintings on clothes exhibition, Silapakorn University, Bangkok
1999: art exhibition in celebration of His Majesty the King 72nd anniversary, Thai Farmers Bank building, Bangkok
1998: traditional Thai art exhibition, River City, Bangkok
1998: 1st prize winner, Asian artists competition sponsored by Boonrowd Brewery, Bangkok
1997: 3rd prize winner, stamp design competition sponsored by the Communication Authority of Thailand
1997: 1st creative price, Asian artists competition sponsored by Mitsubishi Thailand, Bangkok
1997: selected for the 12th art competition sponsored by Thai Petroleum Ltd., National Gallery, Bangkok
1996: 2nd and 3rd prize winner, stamp design competition sponsored by the Communication Authority of Thailand

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Asian artist: Hiroshi Sugimoto

2005-07-04T00:04:00.000-07:00

Hiroshi Sugimoto – End of Time, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, 17 September 2005 – 9 January 2006

The First Major Retrospective of One of Japan’s Most Respected Contemporary Artists, Including Never-Before-Seen Experiments Combining Photography with Architecture and Noh Theatre

Hiroshi Sugimoto has, over the past twenty-five years, become established as a leading photographer and conceptual artist on the international scene through series of photographs that concentrate systematically on different subjects. Until now there has been no opportunity to look at his development within a larger context and this, his first retrospective exhibition, concentrates on the whole of his work as well as on his challenging and ambivalent ideas about the photograph as a means of representing the elusive yet fundamental ways in which we perceive the world.

It is not easy to pigeonhole Sugimoto’s work because it extends far beyond the boundaries of photography to include objects, architecture and exhibition design - forms of expression, like the photograph, that he uses to highlight and expand the perception of such abstract qualities as time, light, space, movement, spirit - even the nature of reality itself.

The early works in the exhibition come from a series of photographs of the interiors of darkened cinema theatres in which the main subject is not the architecture of the place itself, although this is often distinguished by its stylishness, but the large seemingly blank white screen. These works, twenty-one of which are exhibited here, are in fact as much portraits of time as place in that the exposure of the negative coincides exactly with the length of the film that was running when it was made. The film illuminates the room around it but, because it is in constant motion, individual detail is lost in the photograph in which only white light remains on the screen.

Sugimoto has said that the photograph is like a blank screen upon which the observer can project his or her impressions and desires but it is also a more assertive expression of the artist’s own sensibility and ideas. This can be clearly seen in the series of seascapes, taken according to the same format in different parts of the world. But because the subject is the sea there are no natural features to distinguish changing location, only different times of day or night, the weather conditions, available light and waves. Although they seem similar, in fact these works vary immensely. When looked at carefully they become more objects for meditation and awe than screens for self-projection. Their monumental and sublime impact is derived from their size and subtle, “painterly” detail as well as their lack of scale and contextualizing detail. In a sense these works are portraits of different faces of infinity. Twenty of the Seascape photographs are included in the exhibition.

The artist confronts time in a different way in his series of photographs of museum dioramas – quaintly old-fashioned stage settings in which artists and designers dramatically presented wild or exotic scenes. To these simulations of what often now would be regarded as dubious interpretations of pre-history or nature, Sugimoto adds a further layer. The large black and white images shown here endow these period pieces with a timeless contemporary life that, cumulatively, become melancholy reflections on the changing nature of history, human endeavor, knowledge and understanding. Ten of these photographs are shown here in large scale format.

In Tokyo the exhibition begins with his most recent works: fifteen photographs from the series of Conceptual Forms – images of early twentieth century plaster models made to illustrate different mathematical equations and of machines that elucidate various principals in Physics. Here Sugimoto invokes the laconic yet mystical art machines of Marcel Duchamp that echo multiple relationships in the universe, life, sex and nature. He has also added to these ideal structures some conceptual forms made by himself: a multiple of the Large Glass based on a version of Duchamp’s masterpiece at Tokyo University as well as three dimensional aluminum models based on mathematical equations.

The layout of the exhibition in Tokyo is specially designed by the artist to stress unity of approach in spite of different subject matter. It ends in a series of dramatic, large scale, slightly blurred images of iconic buildings from the history of modern architecture. In this meditation on power, recent history and modernity, the fragile beauty of human achievement is both questioned and celebrated.

The exhibition is co-organized by the Mori Art Museum with the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and will open in Tokyo on 17 September 2005. It will then move to Washington, D.C. in February 2006 and The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas, thereafter. David Elliott, Director of the Mori Museum and Kerry Brougher, Director of Art and Programs and Chief Curator at the Hirshhorn are the co-curators of the exhibition, which will feature over 140 photographs ranging from 1976 to the present that encompass the entirety of this artist’s nearly thirty-year career.

copyrights Mori Art Museum, Tokyo

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Asian artist: Ekarat Aroonrat

2005-06-28T02:49:00.000-07:00

Born in 1970 in Bangkok, Thailand, Asian artist Ekarat Aroonrat is a rising star of Thailand art scene. He completed his study with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the prestigious Silapakorn University in Bangkok.

Ekarat creates a world of poetic dreams, where pure beauty and love are limitless. His smiling and composed characters float on backgrounds of colorful birds and trees, while his recurrent moon and stars add to the alluring fantasy.

“When I paint, I like to escape the rules and constraints of our terrestrial world. I wish to invite my viewers in a world of pure calm and happiness” says Asian artist Ekarat Aroonrat. “I believe in the healing power of imagination and dreams”.

His world of fantasy has attracted a growing number of collectors, and Ekarat frequently showcases his work in Bangkok.

Selected exhibitions:

2005: solo exhibition, Akko art gallery, Bangkok
2003: selected for the international print and drawing exhibition, organized in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the painting, sculpture and graphic art Faculty, Silapakorn University, Bangkok
2000: Silapakorn University art exhibition, in celebration of His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday, Bangkok
1998: small works by Asian artists, art exhibition, Rayong, Thailand
1994: 40th national art exhibition, Bangkok, Thailand
1994: selected for the 6th art competition sponsored by Toshiba (Thailand) Ltd., Bangkok
1993: art exhibition in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the painting, sculpture and graphic art Faculty, Silapakorn University, Bangkok
1992: selected for the 4th art competition sponsored by Toshiba (Thailand) Ltd., Bangkok
1991: art exhibition by the students of the painting, sculpture and graphic art Faculty, Silapakorn University, Bangkok

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Asian artist: Morrakot Naksin

2005-06-26T03:09:00.000-07:00

Born in Bangkok in 1966, Asian artist Morrakot Naksin graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Chiang Mai University before studying abroad to expand his creative horizons. Starting with a one year exchange at the Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia, he then went on to study for 2 years at the Saint-Lucas Academia in Ghent, Belgium.

Morrakot representations are deeply anchored in Buddhism teachings. “When I observe people, I see their sufferings. They work hard to care for their families, but are not always successful. Frustrations and sorrows arise, leading to more failures and worries”.

For Morrakot, “being in the now, being in the present, will reverse this negative trend, and brings happiness to life. I want to demonstrate the value of mindfulness”.

He represents tired and hardworking people, going to the temple or working in the fields, looking for a better future in the horizon. But he never represents the faces in details.

“I never paint facial expressions. I believe that those expressions do not represent the souls of the people, but just their thoughts”. Erasing facial expressions is a way for Asian artist Morrakot to show the way to a better life, the transformation from negative thoughts to mindfulness that brings happiness, even under the toughest circumstances.

Black and white colors represent despair and sorrow. Golden orange, red and brown colors introduce Buddhism teachings in his works. “My paintings are like a dream, a dream for a better life achieved through mindfulness”.

Morrakot Naksin is an internationally recognized Thai artist. During the past eight years, Morrakot has presented his art in solo shows and group exhibitions in Thailand, as well as in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Solo exhibitions:

2004: Lahore, Pakistan
2003: INVE Technologies art exhibition, Dendermonde, Belgium
2002: Westfries Museum, Hoorn, the Netherlands
2001: Centrum voor Intercultural Management, Mechelen, Belgium
1999: “De Lanchende Monnik” Drongen and Ghent, Belgium
1998: “Bird”, Zeedijk, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
1996: Het Waterschapshuis, Memdemblik, the Netherlands
1996: Stadsfestzaal art festival, Antwerp, Belgium
1996: Ham- Mechelen art exhibition, Belgium

Selected group exhibitions:

2004: Contemporary Thai- Dutch Art Exhibition, The Queen’s Gallery, Bangkok
2001: contemporary art exhibition, National Museum, Bangkok
2001: contemporary art exhibition, Chiang Mai Art Museum, Chiang Mai
2001: Shilpa Bhirasri Memorial Gallery, Bangkok
1999: Gallery De Impasse, Brussels, Belgium
1998: Mekong’s children, Cultural Center, Brussel, Belgium
1998: Westfries Museum, Hoorn, the Netherlands
1997: Saint Lucas Academia, Ghent, Belgium
1997: the King of Siam, Western Museum, Hoorn, the Netherlands

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Asian artist: Flower rendez-vous by Montree Samchimchom, Jamjuree Asian art Gallery

2005-06-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

Flower rendez-vous by Montree Samchimchom, Jamjuree Asian art Gallery, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, June 4 - June 22

“Flower rendez-vous” presents watercolors by Asian artist Montree Samchimchom painted during the last two years.

A famous Asian watercolors artist, Montree is representing indigenous flowers from Thailand as a mean to express his feelings.

Blending precise and detailed flowers paintings into imaginary and luxurious background of tropical forests, Montree creates a world of fantasy where each flower communicates his emotions: passion, fear and hope.

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Asian artist exhibition: Nukoon’ s 2005 by Nukoon Panyadee

2005-06-06T03:22:00.000-07:00

Nukoon’ s 2005 by Nukoon Panyadee, Jamjuree Asian art Gallery, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, June 28 - July 21

One of Thailand’s most admired watercolors artists and a respected art teacher, Nukoon Panyadee explores new media in his latest series of paintings to be presented in Nukoon’s 2005.

Mixing oil paintings, watercolors and acrylics, Thai artist Nukoon brings his creations to a new level of abstraction and creativity. Although one can still recognize his passion for natural landscapes and traditional Thai scenes, Nukoon is experimenting with various brushes and painting techniques, to create striking abstract effects of shadows and colors.

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Asian artists: HK$1.2m raised at The Sovereign Asian Art Foundation auction dinner

2005-06-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

The Sovereign Asian Art Foundation is pleased to announce that HK$1.2m was raised at this year’s fundraising auction dinner.

The top 29 Asian artists finalists of the 2005 Sovereign Asian Art Prize dinner were auctioned at the gala dinner generously sponsored by Bvlgari on 20th May 2005. The dinner was held at Cuisine Cuisine and was attended by 200 guests made up of art connoisseurs, artists, celebrities and socialites.

Howard Bilton, chairman of The Sovereign Group and Asian artist Jeffrey Aranita, winner of the 2004 Sovereign Asian Art Prize and member of this year’s judging panel awarded Asian artist Tsang Kin Wah with his first prize of US$25,000. They also announced the winner of the Schoeni Prize that went to leading Asian artist Yip Siu Ka for his painting, Pattern At Shatin. The Schoeni Prize is a public vote prize where members of the community are invited to vote for their favourite painting either through the exhibition or via the Foundation’s website.

The evening was kicked off with an exhibition of the prizewinners and finalists of the 2005 Sovereign Asian Art Prize followed by dinner. During dinner Mr Ian McGinlay from Christie’s auctioned the top 29 Asian artists finalists and to encourage the bidding, Bvlgari donated a limited edition Carbon Gold watch to the highest bidder that was Mr Aidan Hooper. Mr Hooper came to Hong Kong from Perth especially for this event and bought Yip Siu Ka’s, Pattern At Shatin, for HK$117,000.

50% of the money raised from the painting sales goes back to the participating artists and the remaining 50% goes to The Foundation whose goal is to promote awareness and offer support towards the development of Asian art and artists. In 2004 funds raised by the charity were donated to the Asian Cultural Council and "The Sovereign Art Foundation Fellowship" was created. Funding also went towards the Peace Art Project Cambodia as well as local community based art events.

Anyone who would like to become a friend, patron or simply make a donation to The Foundation can do so by contacting Tiffany Pinkstone at tiffany@sovereignartfoundation.com or Michelle Wong at michelle@sovereignartfoundation.com. Prints of the 2004 and 2005 prizewinners are also available for sale.

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Asian artist: Tanachai Ekeuruchaitep

2005-06-01T03:17:00.000-07:00

Born in 1966 in Bangkok, Thailand, Asian artist Tanachai Ekeuruchaitep completed his formal education with a Bachelor of Asian Art (specialization in paintings) from the Bangkok College of Fine Arts. His fervor for traditional Northern Thai paintings and fondness of nature compelled him to move to Chiang Mai, in the North of Thailand, where he now lives and works.

Many of his paintings are inspired by historical representations of the Buddha or elements of traditional Thai mural paintings. But Tanachai does not limit himself to reproduce classical figures. He places his subjects on powerful background of pure colors and illuminates them with subtle contrasts of shades and lights.

An emerging Asian artist, Tanachai Ekeuruchaitep has already participated in various group exhibitions and his work his represented in numerous private collections (The Oriental Hotel Bangkok, The Oriental Mandarin Hotel in Chiang Mai, the Royal Thai Consulate in Rome).

Selected exhibitions:
2002: solo exhibition, impression of nature, Gong Dee Studio, Chiang Mai, Thailand
2001: Asian artists group exhibition, the Sukhothai culture and the new millennium, Bangkok

To view his Asian art creations, visit: Asian art

Asian artist: New Work by Qu Lei Lei at the Ashmolean

2005-05-26T02:20:00.000-07:00

23 March to 17 July - Everyone’s Life is an Epic: New Work by Qu Lei Lei

For the first time in the Ashmolean’s series of Chinese exhibitions, a show will be devoted to the paintings of a living Asian artist, Qu Lei Lei. Renowned worldwide, Lei Lei will display a series of portraits depicting the very different lives of people living in different countries. From the paintings of a Tibetan peasant, a Chelsea pensioner and a young girl killed in Cambodia under Pol Pot’s regime, this exhibition tells the story of people.

Since his move from Beijing to London in 1986, Asian artist Lei Lei has become well known to British audiences as a teacher and author of Chinese brush painting. He has lectured extensively and has been a visiting tutor at the Ruskin School of Drawing and the V&A. Born in 1951, in northern China, he studied Chinese painting and calligraphy, followed by Western drawing and painting. He continued his education in anatomy at the Beijing Medical University and after his move to London; he spent two years at the Central School of Art and Design.

Lei Lei’s fame as an Asian artist comes from his association with the Stars Art Movement. In 1976 after the death of Chairman Mao and the Cultural Revolution, he became a leading member of the Stars (Xingxing), a Beijing based group of twenty-three artists who ardently campaigned for greater freedom of expression within the arts. In September 1979 they were refused an official exhibition at the National Art Gallery. As a result they hung their work on the railings outside. This caused a political outcry and the authorities removed their paintings within twenty-four hours. Two months later, the exhibition was staged at a nearby studio and was attended by a total of 200,000 people in over a week. The art critic, Li Xianting applauded the movement as ‘The first truly iconoclastic avant-garde group’.

During the early 80s several of the artists left China for Japan, Europe or the United States. In 1989 the Stars launched their 10th anniversary in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and exhibitions were held at the Centre Pompidou, Paris. Their contribution to the democracy movement helped to liberate and energise the art scene in China’s major cities. Interest in their exhibitions led to the production of overtly political works by younger artists in the 1980s -90s. Moving on from his artistic response to social politics, Qu Lei Lei currently pursues the theme of humanity itself.

The Ashmolean, Beaumont Street, Oxford
The Exhibition is Free. Opening Hours: Tues – Sat 10.00 – 5.00, Sun 12.00 – 5.00, Bank Holiday Mondays 10.00 – 5.00, Closed: Mondays

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Asian artists exhibitions in Bangkok, May-June 2005

2005-05-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

Thai pair
"Tai-Rong" sees paintings by Asian artists Sompetch Wanchit and Anurot Janposri. While Sompetch mixes hot and cold tone colours in his works, Anurot employs many techniques to convey Thai Buddhism.
River City shopping complex, tel 02-237-0077

Natee's new works
"New Works" features recent paintings by Thai artist Natee Utarit.
Gallery of Faculty of Paintings, Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University, tel 02-221-0820
9am-4:30pm Mon-Sat, until May 28

Discover India
"Southern India - Portrayals of Discovery" features works by Asian artists such as Vichoke Mukdamanee, Monticha Khantachawana, Cholada Ananaweenusorn, Palut Marod, Somporn Teamprasit, Suwannee Sarakana and Kongsak Gulglangdon.
Art Gallery, Silpakorn University
Wang Tha Phra campus, tel 02-221-3841

Art connection
"artonneXions" is a travelling art exhibition featuring Thai and Asian artists. Initiated by the Goethe Institute, the show will move on to Auckland and Jakarta.
Art Centre, 7th floor, Chulalongkorn University, tel 02-218-2964/5

All about Thai
"All About Thai" features contemporary paintings and sculptures by 9 Asian artists, including Metha Kongsonthi, Bencharong Kowapitakted, Morrakot Naksin and Thonchai Srisukprasert. Most of the works present the spirit, cultural complexity and charm of Thailand.
Holiday Inn Silom Hotel, Silom Road, tel 02-238-4300 ext 4321

Lotus life
"The Lotus' Life" features paintings by Chinese artist Kang Youhe, whose lotus flower images have a realist photographic look. All of his paintings carry some peaceful, aesthetic and active mood.
Tang Gallery, Silom Galleria Bldg, Silom Road, tel 02-6300-3264

The "Emporium Art Gallery 2005" exhibition features original paintings by 19 veteran Asian artistsusing oils and watercolors in presenting traditional Thai arts. The Asian artists include Preecha Thaothong, Praiwan Dakliang, Sa-ngad Pui-ok, Thongchai Srisukprasert, Rungroj Charoenthipnukul and Thani Issara.
The Emporium shopping complex, Sukhumvit Road, tel 02-664-8000 ext 1624

Quest for life
In "Way", Asian artist Luck Maisalee reflects on the range of emotions and feelings he experienced during his journey through life. His works are executed on hand-made paper and fabric.
Art Republic, Somerset Building, Sukhumvit Soi 16, tel 02-663-2056

Asian landscapes
In "Through the Mists", Japanese watercolour artist Yoshie Nakamura presents her ethereal impressions of Asian landscapes, particularly Thailand's heritage sites.
Rotunda Gallery, Neilson Hays Library, Surawong Road, tel 02-233-1731

Life now
"Life Now" is an art project by a group of Asian artists from Baan Nam Khem, Phang-nga province. On show are more than a hundred pieces _ some inspired by the event of the big waves.
Siam Society, Asoke Road, Tel 02-661-6470/7

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Asian artist: Pansa Sunawee

2005-05-20T01:17:00.000-07:00

Asian artist Pansa Sunawee is one of Thailand's most talented photographer. She explores the duality between the spiritual and material world in bold and vibrant color photographs.

"In the material world", says the Asian artist, "more stiff, selfish and discourteous people exist. The spiritual world on the other hand, is gentle, moderate and peaceful but peoplethinkit is outadted and sluggish. In my work, I would like to present my ideas as neutral towards both materialism and spiritualism.

Asian artist Pansa Sunawee's work can currently be seen at the F-Stop Gallery in Bangkok.

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Asian artist: Mei-Ling Hom

2005-05-18T04:26:00.000-07:00

Perspectives, by Mei-ling Hom at the Freer Gallery, Washington DC, August 27, 2005–March 12, 2006

The serene and contemplative installation created for the Perspectives series by Asian artist Mei-ling Hom will emphasize both the ephemeral and palpable qualities of space.

Clouds formed from steel wire appear and disappear according the position of the viewer and the sounds of Chinese flute (xiao) alternate with silences. This play between presence and absence evokes the meanings of clouds within Asia and the fluidity of those meanings for people who inhabit multiple cultures. An original work by the Beijing-based composer Eli Marshall completes the installation.

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young Asian artists exhibition in Bangkok

2005-05-16T01:05:00.000-07:00

May 31 – June 24 2005, “662”, Asian art and design creations from young Asian artists

The “662” Exhibition presents creative artworks by young graduates from the Communication Design Department at the School of Fine and Applied Arts of Bangkok University.

The art exhibition’s main objective is to give talented Asian artists a first chance to expose their creations to the public and receive feedbacks on their artworks. The selected Asian artists and designers for this exhibition are: Mr. Wuttipat Somjit, Mr. Thachapong Promvej, Mr.Thamanoon Maipim, Mr.Siva Siririttichai, Mr.Titipol Srisathapat, Miss Sarinya Limthontip and Mr. Jakrit Anantakul.

The works presented belong to different categories (communication through letters, pictures, and animations) and all relate to the concept of communication in today’s Thai society, as expressed in the name of the exhibition; 662 being Thailand’s international telephone country code.

“662” Exhibition at Bangkok University Gallery, Rangsit Campus, from May 31 to June 24 2005. For more information, call +662 350 3626.

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Asian artist: “Traveler” by Cai Guo-Qiang at the Sackler Gallery

2005-05-13T00:44:00.000-07:00

Through July 31, 2005, “Traveler” by Cai Guo-Qiang, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Washington DC

"Traveler" by Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang is a two-part installation at the Sackler and the nearby Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Best known for his grand explosion events as well as for his ability to layer poetic allegory and historical resonance, Asian artist Cai Guo-Qiang is one of the most significant Asian artists to have emerged in the last decade.

"Reflection," at the Sackler, is a site-specific installation that invites visitors to ponder the interactions between past and present cultures as well as their relocation within a museum that is dedicated to the preservation of the past. The installation places the weathered hull of a 50-foot-long Japanese fishing boat, excavated off the coast of Japan, upon an imaginary ocean of gleaming porcelain fragments of deities from Dehua, China.

"Reflection's" monumental arcs and delicately realized sculptures represent multiple layers of meaning that on one level resonate with a concurrent Sackler exhibition, "Iraq and China," which explores the transformative effect of a wave of imported luxury Chinese goods on 9th-century Iraqi ceramics, while also demonstrating the potential of artistically enriching cultural interactions.

Asian artist Cai links "Reflection" to the installation at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, where "Unlucky Year: Unrealized Projects from 2003-2004," which closed April 24, featured a selection of the Asian artist's signature gunpowder drawings. These are tangible visualizations of ambitious projects using large-scale explosives that the artist sought to realize at high profile sites.

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Asian artist exhibition in Bangkok: “The Moon”, by Natthawut S.

2005-05-11T01:22:00.000-07:00

April 23 – May 15 2005, “The Moon”, Asian art exhibition by Thai artist Natthawut Singthong, Bangkok University Gallery

In his latest paintings series, Natthawut represents his feelings and emotions when looking at the moon. “I believe that we are all looking at the same moon. However, we all feel different emotions. Our culture, traditions and values and our environment affect our feelings, both positively and negatively,” said the artist.

“The changing forms of the moon, the shadings created by the clouds, the opening and closing of the sky have effects our emotions, our imagination, and thoughts. That is what I was interested in associating different representations of the moon with the representations of human reactions and emotions”.

In his paintings, the Asian artist sprinkles as well various Thai cultural symbols to express additional feelings.

“The Moon” exhibition runs from April 23- May 14, 2005 at Bangkok University Gallery, Building 9, 3rd floor, City campus, Rama 4 Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110. For more information, call +662 350 3626.

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Asian artists: new photography book by Asian artist Norm Yip

2005-05-09T03:04:00.000-07:00

Canadian-Born Chinese Architect-Cum-Photographer Launches Debut Book 'The Asian Male - Photography by Norm Yip

Born in the Canadian prairie province of Saskatchewan, Norm Yip shifted from well-paid architect to photographer and artist four years after moving to Hong Kong in 1994. 'The Asian Male - Photography by Norm Yip' is his first ever publication, a coffee table book featuring eighteen models from Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany and the USA -- all taken over a five-year period from 2000-2004.

Disenchanted and uninspired as an architect, Norm Yip began doing what he loves best: photography and art. For five years between 2000 and 2004, he collected more than five thousand images of Asian men to compile his first self-published book entitled ‘The Asian Male – Photography by Norm Yip.'

Subtitled 1.AM to represent the first edition, the book contains a stunning collection of beautiful Asian men from Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Germany and the US. With a range of full body nudes, abstract compositions and portraits, the final selection of forty images have been said to be sensuous, erotic, pensive and poetic. His models have lean to muscular physiques and range from ages twenty-one to thirty-eight.

In the book’s artist statement, Norm writes, “I believe that when I photograph someone, I am searching for what is already there, whether it be joy, sorrow, longing or elation. It would not matter if my models were nude or clothed. A photograph that captures the true Spirit or essence of a person, and not simply the façade, is what I try to extract from the individual.”
Norm says, “I was deeply inspired by the work of American photographer Herb Ritts and I wanted to raise the level of photography of the Asian male to fine art. It has been done with many Caucasian men in North America, Europe and elsewhere, but rarely with Asians.”

Norm elaborates, “Having the images alone on my website was good, but then I began receiving emails asking me if I was going to publish a book. I soon realized that I needed to move beyond the virtual world of the internet and to have something tangible in my hands. Eventually, this book became a very personal project. I felt it was necessary as a photographer and an artist.”

About the Photographer and Author
Norm worked for a number of architectural firms in Canada and Hong Kong before leaving the field to pursue his deeper interest in art and photography. Norm Yip’s photographs of Asian males have appeared in international publications such as 2blue and Dreamboys 2. Celebrities he has photographed include Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Vonda Shepard, Destiny’s Child and Zhanghi Yimou. Aside from photography, Norm’s enigmatic graphite drawings have garnered recognition in the area of spiritual art, with his most recent inclusion in the art book 'Eyes of the Soul,' edited by Professor Philip-Jacobson Rubinov, forwarded by American philosopher Ken Wilber.

About the Book
‘The Asian Male – Photography by Norm Yip’ is a 9” x 12” hard cover edition containing 48 pages, printed on 250gsm fine art matt paper. (Studio 8 Hong Kong Publishing Ltd. ISBN 988-98259-1-0, US$44.95). It is currently available in selected bookstores in Hong Kong and will soon be available in the USA, Canada and Australia.

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Asian artists: SAM presents its collection of 20th century southeast Asian art

2005-05-06T02:15:00.000-07:00

9 April 2005 – 30 June 2005 – Art of our time

Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is proud to present Art of Our Time, a long-term exhibition programme of Singapore and Southeast Asian art culled from its permanent collection of 6,500 works. Instead of the traditional chronological order, the Collection is arranged into thematic groupings that reflect social concerns as well as visual arts development in the region. The exhibition will display close to 100 key artworks by significant artists from Singapore and the region. Comprising two components, Art of Our Time is an exhibition that provides a major long-term showcase of SAM permanent collection. The Southeast Asia component entitled Of Tides and Times: Encounters with Southeast Asian Art features iconic works from renowned artists such as Montien Boonma and Heri Dono, who have drawn critical international acclaim. Of Tides and Times: Encounters with Southeast Asian Art will first open for a special preview by collectors and art lovers on 8 April 2005 while the Singapore component entitled Unyielding Passion: 8 Masters of Singapore Art will open in May 2005. Collector’s preview-cum-launch will be held on 8 April, 7.30pm at the Singapore Art Museum, with Associate Professor Kwok Kian Woon as Guest of Honour.

The Singapore section – Unyielding Passion: 8 Masters of Singapore Art – will display a selective range of iconic works that reflect artistic developments in Singapore from mid 20th century to the present, from pioneer artists to younger contemporary artists. Eight important artists, each with differing artistic practices and unique styles, will be highlighted. They are Chen Wen Hsi, Cheong Soo Pieng, Liu Kang, Georgette Chen, Chua Mia Tee, Tan Swie Hian, Tang Dawu and Iskandar Jalil.

The Southeast Asian section - Of Tides and Times: Encounters with Southeast Asian Art - explores the region’s art through the themes of nation-building, social commentary and notions of identity with significant works by renowned artists from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, The Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Through the display of artworks representative of the artistic developments of the six countries, the audience is introduced to the local art histories and cultural diversities of the region. The thematic display, while aimed at bringing out the cultural diversities in the region, also highlights social and political events that similarly affected the countries in the course of the 20th century. The artists featured include luminaries such as Hendra Gunawan, Amorsolo, Le Pho and contemporary practitioners like Montien Boonma and Heri Dono. For enquiries, call 6332 3220.

To learn more on Asian art contemporary developments, visit: Asian art

Asian artists exhibitions in Bangkok – April-May 2005

2005-04-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

Burmese paintings
Thavibu Gallery, 3rd floor, Silom Galleria, Silom Road, tel 02-266-5454"U Lun Gywe _ A Retrospective" sees impressinistic works by the master of Burmese paintings, U Lun Gywe. A new book entitled U Lun Gywe _ A Master Painter from Myanmar will also be available during the exhibition to celebrate four decades of his contribution to Burmese contemporary art.

Strange love
H Gallery, Sathon Soi 12, Tel 01-310-4428
"Strange Love" features oil-on-canvas paintings by Asian artist Narissara Pianvimangsa, who offers a series of self-portraits that are deceptively naive yet exude a disquieting eroticism.

Thai life
Art Gallery, Rajamangala University of Technology, Poh Chang campus, Tri Phet Road, Tel 02-623-8790/9 ext 100
"The Artists' Journal" features paintings by Kosol Pinkul, one of the leading Asian artists in Thailand; his entourages and guest artists. Most of his works portray the scenery of rural villages and nature.

Solitary bliss
100 Tonson Gallery, Soi Tonson, Phloen Chit Road, tel 02-684-1527
"Bliss of Solitude" features abstract landscapes by veteran painter Niti Wattuya. Well-known for his naturalism concept through watercolours, he now turns back to creating realistic works with a different approach.

Public place
H Gallery, Sathon Soi 12, Tel 01-310-4428
"Public Place" features Asian artist Jaruwat Boonwaedlom's photo realist paintings in oil on canvas. The artist focuses on the way the human form and objects are reflected in the glass ubiquitous in modern metropolises.

Living with art
Amarin Plaza, 1st floor, Phloen Chit Road, tel 02-256-9333
"Living with Art" showcases more than 100 drawings and paintings by a new generation of Asian artists and a variety of booths arranged by independent artists.

Sand and mind
Tadu Contemporary Art, 7th floor, Barcelonamotor Bldg, Tiam Ruam Mit Road, Tel 02-645-2473 or 02-247-5555 ext 2239/40
"Pen Sai (Being Sand)" sees the latest collection of paintings by Asian artist Amrit Choosuwan, who uses modern methods of video installation and mixed media to approach the ancient message of Buddhism.

Cultural discrepancies
Gallery of Faculty of Paintings, Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University, Tel 02-221-0820"Discovery-Fertile-Bangkok" sees oils, prints and drawings by Japanese artist Yasumi Hakoshima, who reflects the similarities and differences between Thai and Japanese cultures and environments.

Credence
Tang Gallery, Silom Galleria Bldg, Silom Road, tel 02-630 3264
In "Credence", Asian artists Yutthasak Roikanchan and Narakorn Sittites reflect their personal belief through oil paintings. Yutthasak's works deal with Thai superstition; while Narakorn focuses more on Buddhist philosophical concepts.

Abstract works
Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort, Prachuap Khiri Khan, tel 032-512-021/38
Asian artist Pipop Pornsangsilp, better known as "Khun Phao Pipop" is showcasing his recent abstract paintings. Famous for using vibrant colours and lines, the artist has exhibited his works in many countries.

Have we met?
Art Gallery, Japan Foundation Bangkok, Sermmit Building, 10th floor, Sukhumvit Soi 21, tel 02-260-8560"Have We Met, Bangkok?" sees art pieces by young promising Asian artists Wit Pimkanchanapong and Porntaweesak Rimsakul.

Moon in imagination
Bangkok University's Art Gallery, Rama IV Road, tel 02-671-7526
"Moon" features Asian art installation by Nattawut Singthong. The works explore the fact that this very same moon is interpreted differently according to the observers' beliefs, social values, traditions, cultures and even the environment. The opening is on April 23 at 5:30pm.

Panoramic images
Gallery F-Stop, Tamarind Café, Sukhumvit Soi 20, tel 02-663-7421"Panoramix: Far as the Horizon" features a collection of oversized colour images by Asian artists photographers Niran Choonhachat and Somchai Phonghaisarnkit. The vibrant panoramic photos spotlight history and geography, reflecting various differences in life, arts and culture.

Expression of moods
Art Cafe, Soi 16, Pattaya Naklua Road, Chon Buri, tel 038-367-652
"Coming Home" sees the latest works by Danish artist Marianne Hvass Kure. There will also be a charity silent bid auction on one of her paintings. All proceeds will be donated to the Camillian Social Centre, Rayong. The opening is on April 25 at 7 pm.

Same heart
Exhibition Hall, 4th floor, River City shopping complex, Yota Road, tel 02-237-0077"Co Heart - Conserve Thai" features wood carvings by Wanin Jaijantuk, photographs by Asian artist Voaradirakc Marksub, and traditional Thai paintings executed in acrylic by Bon Chang Thai Artists Group.

Multicultural arts
Art Centre, Jim Thompson House, Soi Kasemsan 2, tel 02-216-7368"Interweaving Cultures" is an international contemporary Asian art project by artists and curators from Japan, Thailand and Europe, who are allowed a unique opportunity to actively exchange their views and ideas.

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Asian artist: Theeruchcha Panpumchuen

2005-04-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

Born in 1973 in Bangkok, Theeruchcha Panpumchuen is one of the most promising young Asian ceramic artists. She completed her formal education with a Bachelor of Fine Art from the prestigious Silapakorn University in Bangkok.

Working in her atelier in Bangkok, Theeruchcha plays with cooking curves and crystal glazes to create unique ceramics inspired by the sky and the see. “I look at the clouds, the shades of blues in the sky and the see, and try to emulate the beauty of nature” explains Theeruchcha.

Asian artist Theeruchcha displays a very sophisticated technique in all her creations. Her works of art appeal to a growing number of collectors in Thailand and Japan.

She has already taken part in numerous exhibitions in the last years and has received different international awards.

Exhibitions and awards:
2002: international art exhibition, The “Zeichen der Gequnwart”, Vienna, Austria
2000: International Art Triennial in Krakow, Poland
1999: 4th prize, The 4th Kochi International Triennial Exhibition of Prints, Japan
1999: 45th National Asian Art Exhibition, National Gallery, Bangkok
1999: special award, 11th Asian artists competition sponsored by Toshiba (Thailand) Ltd., Bangkok
1998: award winner, 10th Asian artists competition sponsored by Toshiba (Thailand) Ltd., Bangkok
1998: International Art Triennial in Kanagawa, Japan
1998: contemporary art competition sponsored by The Thai Farmer Bank, Bangkok

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Asian artist: Zhang Ping

2005-04-10T23:08:00.000-07:00

Young, brave & talented female Asian artist Zhang Ping brings her Bad Girls to Bangkok in her debut international solo exhibition titled “A Girl’s Rights to Making-up”. The show consists of four series of paintings of “MAKING-UP”, with 16 new creations of different sizes & media finished in 2004 & 2005.

“Making-up is a woman’s natural privilege by God”, says Asian artist Zhang Ping, “The illusion of beauty disappears at a wash. No one is capable of retaining youth.” “What is washed away is only a skin-deep mask,” Zhang continues, “We repeat this fragile dream while youth flows away through the fingers.”

Born in Xing Jiang Autonomous Region bordering Russia in 1971, Zhang went to the local Normal University & got her first degree in fine arts. Then, she went on to obtain her diploma at China Central Arts & Crafts Institute in Beijing, and finally to finish her Master’s degree in fine arts at East-China Normal University in Shanghai in 2005. Last year, the artist curated her first international group exhibition “DECLARATION OF THE BLACK HOLE” – an all women show caused quite a disturb in Shanghai where the artist resides now.

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Asian artist: Nichcha Wararatanasupa

2005-04-08T23:36:00.000-07:00

Born in 1973, Asian artist Nichcha Wararatanasupa developed an early interest for art and painting and graduated with a Bachelor of Art from the Poh Chang Institute in Bangkok.

Asian artist Nichcha loves trekking treks the Northern mountains of Thailand and hiking the southern coasts. Her passion for nature and particularly flowers is her main source of inspiration. She endeavors to communicate her emotions through striking color combinations. The results are luscious still lifes that evoke her love and respect for the beauty and endless power of Mother Nature.

She plays with dimension and blends vibrant colors to create realistic representations infused with her unique sense of poetry.

An emergent Asian artist bringing a candid and inspiring freshness to the art scene, Nichcha has lately taken part in various exhibitions recently in Thailand.

2004: Asian artists group exhibition, River City, Bangkok
2003: group exhibition, River City, Bangkok
2003: Asian artists group exhibition, King Rama Institute, Bangkok
2002: group exhibition, Poh Chang Institute, Bangkok

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Asian artist: Pichet Pinitpuchapong

2005-04-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

Born in 1967 in Pattalung, Thailand, Asian artist Pichet Pinitpuchapong is currently a respected art professor at the Rachamangkla Institute.

Many of his paintings were inspired by the spirit of Buddha’s teaching. His message is both hopeful and inspiring as he focuses on the values of simplicity, compassion and kindness towards others.

Moving away from classical representations of the Buddha, Asian artist Pichet plays with traditional symbols to create a blissful world. Angels and protective spirits animate his canvases, often illuminated by a smiling Buddha face in the background. Joyful colors contribute to the overall feelings of sweet happiness in his dream-like compositions.

Always in search of a personal style, Pichet experiments with colors, infusing his canvas with intense yellows and greens to create glowing contrasts of pure colors and tones.

Pichet regularly exhibits in Thailand and has worked on various private commissions.

Selected group exhibitions:
2004: this is enough, Thonburi Gallery, Bangkok
2004: Asian artists charity art exhibition, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok
2004: Seub Sai Yai Silp, Rivercity, Bangkok
2004: 4th Asian artists exhibition in celebration of the Queen, Montien Riverside Hotel, Bangkok
2002: 2nd Asian artists art exhibition in celebration of the Queen, Montien Riverside Hotel, Bangkok

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Asian artist: Theerapon Rurngpaisitporn

2005-04-04T02:41:00.000-07:00

Born in 1966 in Nakorn Srithammarat, Thailand, Asian artist Theerapon graduated in 1989 from the prestigious Faculty of decorative art of the Silapakorn University,Thailand.

Theerapon made his professional debut as an illustrator for the Leo Burnette advertising agency based in Bangkok. In 1992, he left the world of advertising to start a life as a freelance illustrator and Asian artist.

On his first travel to the temples of Angkor Vat, Cambodia, Theerapon was deeply impressed by the grandeur of the statues but also by the strong emotions of peace and joyfulness radiating from the sculpted stones. “Smiles are the expression of the purest feelings: love, care and happiness” says Theerapon.

On his return to Thailand, Theerapon dedicated different series to the giant creviced faces, infusing his canvas with his unique sense of colors. “Smiles are contagious” says Theerapon. He wishes to inspire us to live a simple and happy existence.

His work is appealing to a growing number of collectors in Thailand and Asia who have seen his creations in numerous exhibitions during the past seven years.

Selected group and solo exhibitions:

2002: solo exhibition, the peaceful smile, Grand Hotel d’Angkor Raffles, Siem Reap, Cambodia
2002: solo exhibition, Thai paintings, Sanbi gallery, Tokyo, Japan
2002: contemporary Asianartists paintings and sculptures exhibition, Schoeni Art gallery, Hong Kong
2001: contemporary Asian artists art exhibition, Central Grand Plaza, Bangkok
2000: solo exhibition, elephants and beliefs, Place of Art gallery, Bangkok
1999: solo exhibition, the Thai elephant empire, Chiva Som hotel, Hua Hin, Thailand
1998: Asian art exhibition sponsored by Philipp Moris Thailand, Bangkok
1998: Asian art exhibition sponsored by the Thai Petroleum Authority, Bangkok

To view some of his Asian art creations, visit: Asian art

Asian artist: Peera Pongchompu

2005-03-31T20:35:00.000-08:00

Born in 1974 in Bangkok, Asian artist Peera Pongchompu completed his formal education with a Bachelor of Art from the Rachamangkla Institute.

One of the most experimental Asian artists of his young generation, Peera never limits his style to a certain school, and always explores new territories, mixing as well media and paints (oil, acrylic and watercolors). He currently endeavors to develop an Asian pop art series of paintings, fusing in his abstract creations Western pop-art concepts and subjects and forms of traditional Aisan art and culture.

Peera transforms his wide talents into art that makes a deeply personal statement; creations that brings his own individuality to the world of art.

His creations are enjoying a fast growing success among the new generation of Thai collectors and westerners alike.

2004: Asian artists festival, Siam Square, Bangkok
2004: Asian artists festival, Gallery of the National Museum, Bangkok
2004: the new steps of 50 Asian artists, Queen’s Gallery, Bangkok

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Asian artist: Pennee Hanchanvech

2005-03-30T00:36:00.000-08:00

Pennee Hanchanvech is a promising young Asian artist who just completed her formal education with a Masters of Applied Art from the highly praised Silapakorn University in Bangkok.

Lithography is her passion and main medium of expression. Her latest lithography creations are part of the series created for her thesis, Motions and Feelings, and later displayed at the Intercontinental hotel in Bangkok.

She endeavors to capture the underlying essence of human and animal motions and the feelings they trigger. The results are abstract and powerful forms that speed and splash on the paper.

Asian artistPennee Hanchanvech has already exhibited her work in well-known art galleries and venues in Bangkok.

2004: thesis exhibition, Silapakorn Gallery, Bangkok
2000: the last breath, Mercury Gallery, Bangkok
1997: join exhibition of Asian artists, the Department of Fine Art, King Mongkut Institute, Bangkok
1996: join exhibition of Asian artists, Phrapa Gallery, Bangkok

To view some of her contemporary Asian art lithography, visit: Asian art
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Asian artists exhibitions in Bangkok –March April 2005

2005-03-28T00:56:00.000-08:00

Inspired by kangaroos
Bangkok University Art Gallery, Rama IV Road, tel 02-671-7526
"Kangaroo _ Jing-Jo!" sees installation works by Australian artist Katherine Olston. Inspired by different perceptions Asian artists have towards kangaroos, her works reflect the way people use their basic understanding in explaining unfamiliar things around them.

Samurai prints
Akko Gallery, Sukhumvit Soi 49, Tel 02-259-1436
"My Samurai on the woodblock" by Japanese artist Takahide Akiyama uses ink, wood and paper to tell the tales of samurais. However, his samurais have lion heads, reflecting the way Japanese warriors have decreased in the same way the number of wild lions in Africa has decreased.

Isaan folk
H Gallery, Sathon Soi 12, Tel 01-310-4428
"On the Road to Isaan" sees canvas paintings portraying farm life in the Northeast by Asian artist Mitree Parahom. These hard-edged, 2-dimensional works in dense rich colours express the artist's admiration for the Isaan farmer's simple lifestyle and devotion in the face of nature.

Winning pieces
Triple Two Boutique Silom Hotel, Silom Road, tel 09-778-5317
"Thai Orchid: Where Art and Science Meet 2005" features paintings of orchids by Asian artists winners of the painting competition of the same name. Also on display are more than 1,000 different kinds of previously unseen Thai orchids.

Mudmee passion
Carpediem Galleries, Ruam Rudi Bldg, Phloen Chit Road, tel 02-250-0408
"My Village Mudmee _ The Fabric of Life" sees paintings of mudmee Thai silk by Asian artist Jessada Kongsommart, whose inspiration comes from his peaceful livelihood in the countryside of Kalasin province. His works mostly focus on soft folds of a woman's mudmee and the worn Thai silk of old.

Art by heart
Jamjuree Art Gallery, Jamjuree 8 Bldg, Chulalongkorn University, Phaya Thai Road, tel 02-218-3709
"City _ Nature" features oil and watercolour paintings by Asian artist Sawai Wongsaprom, who is fond of both art and nature and created artpieces by his heart.

Bangkok through art
Art Centre, 7th floor, Centre of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University, tel 09-920-4240
"Lak-ka-pid-lak-ka-perd: Bangkok Invisible Landscapes" sees installation art, mixed-media works, photography, video art, and aural art by 12 international and Asian artists. The event is a series of projects consisting of art exhibitions, lectures and a screening, held with the aim to illustrate and question the transformation of spaces in urban life within the Thai capital.

Charming island
Sky Gallery, Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Ratchaprarop Road, tel 02-656-3000
"See Chang Sea Charm" showcases paintings and drawings of the See Chang island by Asian artist Acharn Manas Rakjai. Visitors will also gain correct and useful information about this historical island.

Death before dying
National Gallery, Chao Fa Road, Tel 02-282-2639/40
"Death Before Dying: The Return of Montien Boonma" features a large collection of drawings, paintings, mixed media and installation art by the late artist Montien Boonma _ one of a very few Thai artists who gained international recognition.

Art environment
Misiem's Sculpture Garden
38/9 Phutthamonthon Sai 7 Road, Nakhon Pathom, tel 02-639-8056/7
"Siamese Natural Resources" is an open-air sculpture exhibition by Asian artist Surojana Sethabutra. Pottery hanging from trees in the garden allows visitors to examine the relationship between art and the environment.

Solitary bliss
100 Tonson Gallery, Soi Tonson, Phloen Chit Road, tel 02-684-1527
"Bliss of Solitude" features abstract landscapes by veteran Asian artist painter Niti Wattuya. Well-known for his naturalism concept through watercolour works, he now turns back to creating realistic works with a different approach.

Public place
H Gallery, Sathon Soi 12, Tel 01-310-4428
"Public Place" features Asian artist Jaruwat Boonwaedlom's photo realist paintings in oil on canvas. The artist focuses on the way the human form and objects are reflected in the glass ubiquitous in any modern metropolis.

Asian Art for a good cause
Siam Society, Asoke Road, Tel 02-661-6470/7
The Siam Society presents an exhibition and sale of paintings by architect and Asian artist Sumet Jumsai. Characterised by violent colours and brush strokes, his subject matters are both animate and inanimate and often are painted in series. Also on display and sale are a selection of works of his daughter and several artist friends. Proceeds will be donated to the Siam Society Tsunami Relief Fund.

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Asian artist: Surat Osathanugrah

2005-03-25T00:30:00.000-08:00

A well-known photographer from Thailand, Asian artist Surat Osathanugrah, recently won the gold medal in the photography competition organized during the 9th Triennale-India

The XI Triennale-India, is a major international art show that brings together talented Asian artists from 47 countries. Held every three years, the Triennale-India awards prizes to Indian and other Asian artists.

Despite his widely recognized talent and recent successes, photography is only a hobby for Surat Osathanugrah. A talented businessman, he seats at the board of various large corporations and also held in the past the posts of commerce minister, transport minister, deputy interior minister.

Asian artist Surat has produced two coffee-table books on photography: Vanishing Bangkok and Goodbye Bangkok.

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Asian artist: Shen Fan

2005-03-23T00:32:00.000-08:00

SHEN FAN is one of the most influential & sophisticated contemporary Asian artists.

Shanghai-born abstract Asian artist, Shen Fan, paints with his hands. He got the idea while in Europe, watching the performance of a Belgian pianist. “He touched the piano as if it was his lover”, says Shen, “I thought I could do the same with my paintings. So I started to paint using my hands instead of a brush, and then I could suddenly create a soft movement full of emotion.”

Born in 1952, Shen attended the Fine Art Department of the Shanghai Light Industry Institute. In the early 1990s, he became one the first Asian artists to be invited overseas, studied at the European Ceramics Work Centre in the Netherlands. Since then, his paintings have taken him to different corners in the world, establishing him as one of the leading & most influential contemporary abstract Asian artists.

The source of Shen’s art is in the city where he was born, brought up & live. Shuzhou creek flows past his studio, located in an old weaver’s factory. It is not a pretty sight. Looking outside his window, Shen sees a running sewer, a dumping place for endless amount of industrial and domestic waste. And yet, he also sees a source of inspiration.

In his most recent series of paintings, entitled RIVER, LANDSCAPE & SEA, Shen attempts to impose harmony where none exists. Using his hands and fingers, he describes swilling patterns in white, red and blue, molding the paint like a piece of sculpture, into a portrait of quiet contemplation. “Life is Shanghai is chaotic”, says the Asian artist, “and everybody is looking for balance in life, and change.”

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Asian artists: Thai sculptors

2005-03-21T01:25:00.000-08:00

In the past, Thai sculptors concentrated only on Buddha images, producing works that are ranked among the world's most famous creations of Buddhist art. Sizes ranged from Sukhothai's colossal seated Buddha at Wat Si Chum, which measures 11 meters from knee to knee, to tiny fingernail-sized Buddha figures worn as amulets.

Thai sculptors’ most recognized achievements were created during the Sukhothai period, when the perfect smoothness and sheen of metal enhanced the graceful and simple forms. To express the mental strength of the Buddha, Thai sculptors did not represent anatomical details, to avoid distracting the viewers from the serene representations.

Thai sculpture went through a major change in 1933 when an Italian sculptor, Corado Feroci, founded the Fine Arts School , which was renamed the Silapakorn University in 1943. Feroci is today remembered as the father of modern art in Thailand. He was granted Thai citizenship in 1944, changing his name to Silpa Bhirasri.

Many of his students have enjoyed international recognitions and awards. These include, for example, Paitoon Muangsoomboon, Chit Rianpracha, and Punarn Moolpramook, whose works have appeared in various places. Another artist who is well-known among Thais and abroad is Misiem Yip-in-tsoi. She took up painting first and then sculpture. Examples of her works, many of which depict children, can be seen in many private collections as well as in several public parks in Thailand.

Many modern Thai sculptors are now experimenting with the artistic possibilities of new methods borrowed from industrial technology to create works both simple and incredibly complex in meaning and effect. Others have taken objects out of their ordinary environment and turned them into arresting works of art.

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asian artist: Pornchai Lerthammasiri

2005-03-18T00:54:00.000-08:00

Have you ever even thought about using nice, warm, aromatic coffee in your mug to paint a painting? Pornchai Lerthammasiri did. As an accomplished watercolor artist, Asian artist Pornchai wanted to do something new – more challenging. Coffee was his choice.

“At first I started to cover my watercolor painting lightly with coffee to get the old-look effect. I found that it was very interesting and effective and continued to experiment – some were good, some were not.”

The technique he talks about sounds easy, all you need is just coffee mixed with water, a brush and watercolor paper. Not at all, according to Pornchai, it took him 6 years to master the right texture of coffee and water. If too much coffee I used, the texture will be too elastic to paint with and cause unwanted glittering flakes on the paper. Furthermore, it did not dry easily and the coffee could peel off from the paper or become molded. After extensive experimentation, I can prove that my paintings will stay in the same condition even after 6 years now.”

Besides using brushes to paint, Asian artist Pornchai also uses a spray bottle filled with water to help dilute the coffee on the paper.

“When I want to paint waterfalls or a distant mountain, I use the spray bottle to soften the pictures. There are various results that only the brush alone cannot achieve.”
Today, Pornchai can proudly say that he knows all about coffee painting and the unique effects coffee painting can make that no other medium can.

“I would like my audience to see something new and creative, something close to their daily lives that can be applied to art. It is like giving others a sample of the challenge. Who knows? After seeing my coffee paintings, some people may decide to use wine to paint (laugh)” says Asian artist Pornchai.

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Asian artist: Tanarug Sangpradab

2005-03-16T02:26:00.000-08:00

Born in 1977 in Nakornsritammaraj, Asian artist Tanarug Sangpradab graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rajabhat Suan Dusit University.

Although he now lives and works in Bangkok, far away from his native countryside, Tanarug always invite in his paintings his childhood’s favorite animal: the cow!

Asian artist Tanarug is an ever smiling character that one can only love and his creations have the proven magical power to bring a broad smile to the face of all viewers. His dancing cows, playing cows, jumping cows, laughing cows have a contagious happiness, reinforced by the saturated pastels combinations that characterize all his creations.

A whimsical and playful artist that brings a refreshing lightness to the Asian art scene, Tanarug just comes back from Japan where he held a very successful solo exhibition. He has also already presented his work on various occasions in Thailand.

Solo and groups exhibitions:
2005: solo exhibition, Ebisu East Gallery, Tokyo Japan
2005: Chao Fah national museum Asian artists art festival, Bangkok
2004: solo exhibition, Passport shop, Bangkok
2004: Chao Fah national museum Asian artists art festival, Bangkok
2003: solo exhibition, Deep Gallery, Bangkok
2002: Art Way group exhibition, Pattravadee Gallery, Bangkok

To view some of his joyful art creations, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Anuchit Piriyakitdamrongkul

2005-03-15T01:27:00.000-08:00

Born in 1980 in Bangkok, Anuchit Piriyakitdamrongkul is one of the most creative talents of the young Asian artists’ generation. He just graduated from the Poh Chang Asian Art Institute in Bangkok.

Precautious, Anuchit has already developed his very own style, making his creations immediately recognizable as his work.

Mixing oil paintings, lacquers and sheets of aluminum and staples, his dark, contrasted and strong creations represent the afflictions of today’s Thai society.

Asian artist Anuchit denounces Thailand’s consumerism and the loss of Buddhist values. Advocating the values of being rather than having, he points his fingers at the rampant materialism that affects his countries.

He has taken part in numerous exhibitions in the last four years and has already received an impressive number of awards.

Exhibitions and awards:
2004: 21st national young Asian artists exhibition, National Gallery, Bangkok
2004: gold award winner, 1st art exhibition sponsored by Samart Co., Siam Discovery, Bangkok
2004: award winner, 10th HHK painting exhibition, Bangkok
2003: outstanding award, Poh Chang Art Institute students’ yearly exhibition, Bangkok
2003: award winner, 5th Asian art exhibition sponsored by Panasonic Thailand, National Gallery, Bangkok
2003: ASEAN art competition sponsored by Philip Morris (Thailand) Ltd., National Gallery, Bangkok
2003: 49th national exhibition in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Silapakorn University, National Gallery, Bangkok.
2000 to 2004: Poh Chang Art Institute students’ yearly exhibition, Bangkok

To view some of his contemporary Asian art creations, please visit: Asian art
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artist inspired by Asia: Angela Goetze

2005-03-11T00:36:00.000-08:00

Angela Goetze was born in Hamburg, and studied architecture at the University of Hamburg. She practiced as an architect for a number of years in both Germany and Hong Kong – working principally on large-scale commercial projects – including the new Hong Kong airport at Chek Lap Kok.

She began to paint full time while living in Asia, and her paintings frequently have Asian artists themes. Angela’s training as an architect imbues her Asian artist work with a fine and consistent sense of formal discipline and perspective, while her constant experimentation with different themes, colors and textures results in images that are sometimes starkly representative and dignified and at other times riotous and surreal – but always fresh and immediately recognizable as her work.

Angela studied painting at the Kuala Lumpur College of Fine Art where many famous Asianartists were trained, and at the Kunstakademie Zurich, and presently makes her home in Vancouver, Canada. Her work is sold and appears in private collections in Europe, North America and Asia.

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Asian artist: Sarit Sermsitiporn

2005-03-10T02:21:00.000-08:00

Emerging Asian artist Sarit Sermsitiporn was born in 1985 in Bangkok and is currently a student at the prestigious Silapakorn University.

His creations reveals his passion for experimenting new techniques and matters, sometimes creating daring mix-media compositions, sometimes incorporating traditional Thai figures into lively and acrylic paintings.

As one would expect from an aspiring Asian artist, some paintings show some lacking in techniques that can only been mastered with years of practice. Nevertheless, all his creations display the strength of a great creative force in the becoming.

We invite you to discover his creations. If you like them, choose a unique conversation piece and encourage this promising Asian artist: Asian art
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Asian artist: Praphan Intarasuk

2005-03-09T01:07:00.000-08:00

Born in 1971 in the south-eastern province of Pattanee, Thailand, Asian artist Praphan Intarasuk studied painting in the Poh Chang Institute where he graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Art.

Many of his paintings are inspired by historical representations of the Buddha. In observing his work, his most striking quality is his ability to play with shadows and lightings.

Always in search of a personal style, Praphan experiments with colors, infusing his canvas with intense yellows, greens and blues to create a harmonious contrast of pure colors, tones and shades.

An emerging Asian artist, Praphan Intarasuk has already participated in various group exhibitions and he is enjoying a fast growing success with international collectors.

2004: Chao Fah national museum Asian art festival, Bangkok
1998: Nakhonsrithammarat Art Gallery, Nakhonsrithammarat Thailand
1998: exhibition in celebration of the Poh Chang Institute of Asian art 84th birthday, Bangkok
1996, exhibition in celebration of the Poh Chang Institute of Asian art 82nd birthday, Bangkok,
1992: Thaivijitsil art exhibition, Bangkok

To view some of his Asian art creations, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Chatree Sritabtim

2005-03-08T01:02:00.000-08:00

Born in 1971 in Bangkok, Thailand, Asian artist Chatree Sritabtim is one of Thailand’s emerging watercolor artists.

Natural and traditional architectural beauties are the subjects of his work, which has achieved a maturity and sophistication derived from extensive practice.

Few Asian artists are better able to fuse the techniques of pencil drawing and watercolor, creating illustrative-like art works which blur the line between paintings and illustrations.

Chatree combines Eastern and Western painting techniques and sensibilities to produce his luscious watercolors. The results are stylized compositions of sceneries and still lifes that evoke inner peace and invite us to discover the teachings of the Buddha.

Chatree Sritabtim regularly exhibits in Thailand and has worked on private commissions.

2004: Ministry of Culture Asian artists festival, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok
2004: Ministry of Culture Asian artists festival, Patumwan Park, Bangkok
2004: Chao Fah national museum art festival, Bangkok
1987 to 1991: Chang Silp College of Fine Art exhibition, Bangkok

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Asian artist: Pattana Chagkaew

2005-03-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

Asian artist Pattana Chagkaew was born in a small city of Samutprakan province, Thailand, in 1969. He is a self-taught artist who acquired his art education from different masters. He is also an active member of the Dharma Group of Asian artists.

Much of his inspiration is derived from his travels in Thailand. But most importantly, Pattana does not work from photographs or observed sceneries; the created landscapes are derived entirely from his own imagination.

Pattana’s paintings are distinctively his own yet spring from deep immersion in figurative impressionism with an Asian twist. The results are luscious tropical still lifes that evoke the serenity and beauty of nature and the peacefulness of the mind when practicing meditation.

Pattana Chagkaew is an emerging contemporary Asian artist. He exhibits regularly in Bangkok where he now lives, and has also worked on various private commissions.

2004: 11th art exhibition of the Asian artists Dharma group, Jamjuri Gallery, Bangkok
2004: solo exhibition, Bangbuathong Gallery, Bangkok
2004: natural painting, Contemporary Art Gallery, Kanchanaburi
2003: Conscience, art exhibition of the Asian artists Dharma group, Pattravadee Gallery, Bangkok
2000: colors and water, I paint group, Little Home Gallery, Bangkok
1999: teaching and morality, Puttatattammakot Gallery, Rajchapat institute, Surattanee
1999: artist relationships, Tale Noi Galley, Pattalung
1998: 10th exhibition of the Asian artists Dharma group, National Art Gallery, Bangkok
1996: wall paintings, Huy Hom temple, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
1995: 9th art exhibition of the Asian artists Dharma group, River city, Bangkok

To view some of his Asian art figurative creations, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Saipen Yindee

2005-03-04T01:56:00.000-08:00

Asian artist Saipen Yindee, the wife of famous contemporary Thai artist Pracha Yindee, developed her interest for art and painting at a later stage of life than most. She initially graduated with a Bachelor of Economics, and still teaches today in that field.

But far from just copying her husband and Asian art master’s style, she rapidly affirmed her own preferences and developed her personal techniques. Her passion for flowers and especially Thai orchids is her main inspiration when she paints, and also when she nurtures flowers in her garden.

What strikes one the most is the illustrative-like qualities of her work. Asian artist Saipen Yindee plays with dimension and blends vibrant colors to create realistic representations infused with an intense sense of poetry.

An emergent Asian artist bringing a candid and inspiring freshness to the art scene, Saipen Yindee has taken part in most major exhibitions recently in Thailand.

2004: pleasant world art exhibition of the Dharma Group, Contemporary Art Gallery, Kanchanaburi
2004: 72 Asian artists exhibition in celebration of the Queen’s 72nd birthday, Bangkok
2004: pleasant world art exhibition of the Asian artists Dharma Group, Pattanee, Thailand
2004: 11th art exhibition of the Asian artists Dharma group, Jamjuri Gallery, Bangkok
2004: natural painting, Contemporary Art Gallery, Kanchanaburi

To view some of her Asian art creations, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Poohwanai Muangcharoen

2005-03-03T01:13:00.000-08:00

Poohwanai Muangcharoen is one of the most promising talents of the emerging young Asian artists. Born in 1979 in Bangkok, Thailand, he graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts (specialization in painting) from the famous Silapakorn University.

Asian artist Poohwanai finds his inspiration in Thailand’s natural and architectural treasures. Often traveling throughout the country, he is always on the look for moments of pure beauty. “Wherever in Thailand, I find beauty all around me. I am thankful to the past generations who enriched our beautiful landscape with architectural wonders. I feel proud to be Thai and to inherit this precious legacy” says Poohwanai.

Noted for his sense for colors, Poohwanai is also admired for his precocious composed technique. Inspired by the Asian impressionists, he creates his exotic sceneries with precise and short brushstrokes.

Praised for his talent and detailed technique, Poohwanai has already been selected by different Asian Art competitions’ juries.

2005: color up the family, Silom Galleria Plaza, Bangkok
2004: selected for the 6th art exhibition sponsored by Panasonic Thailand, National Gallery, Bangkok
2004: the golden heritage, Amari Watergate, Bangkok
2003 art thesis exhibition, Silapakorn University, Bangkok
2003: selected for 17th art competition sponsored by Thai Petroleum Ltd., Silapakorn University Gallery, Bangkok
2002: free thoughts, the Sin Dhorn building, Bangkok

To view some of his Asian art creations, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Somphop Makaewsong

2005-03-02T00:59:00.000-08:00

Born in 1978 in Songkla, a province located in the South of Thailand, Asian artist Somphop Makaewsong is unanimously recognized as one of Asian art’s most promising young creators. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Arts at the famous Silapakorn University.

Despite his young age, his has already developed an assured technique and his paintings are distinctively his own. Somphop combines Western impressionists’ brush techniques and Asian sensibilities for colors and textures to produce dashing representations of Thai monuments and sceneries.

Asian artist Somphong feels strongly about color, enjoying the intensity it can bring to impress the monuments with his feelings and emotions. The results are audacious compositions that evoke the beauty of Thai traditional architecture despite the unusual color combinations.

A daring Asian artist that brings freshness to the Thai contemporary art scenes, Somphop is just beginning to surprise us. His work has already been rewarded by the Asian art community.

2004: award winner, 6th art exhibition sponsored by Panasonic Thailand, National Gallery, Bangkok
2003: award winner, 5th art exhibition sponsored by Panasonic Thailand, National Gallery, Bangkok

To view some of his Asian art creations, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Pirapong Gulpisal

2005-02-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

Born in 1948 in Pichit province, Thailand, Asian artist Pirapong Gulpisal is one of Thailand’s most respected watercolor artists.

Transient natural and architectural beauties are the real subjects of his work, which has achieved a maturity and sophistication derived from extensive experience. Always in search of his own singular style, Asian artist Pirapong has long specialized in semi-abstract watercolor creations.

Pirapong Gulpisal combines Eastern and Western painting techniques and sensibilities to produce his luscious watercolors. The results are stylized compositions of sceneries or still lifes that evoke inner peace and serenity despite the powerful color combinations.

Pirapong regularly exhibits in Thailand and has worked on various private commissions.

2003: 100 watercolors-100 helpful minds, Aree Suttiphan foundation’s exhibition, Sicon Square, Bangkok
2003: 7th exhibition of the Group 6, River City, Bangkok
1991: charity Asian art exhibition, Oriental Hotel, Bangkok
1987: Asian art exhibition in celebration of the 45th peace day, Thammassat University, Bangkok
1987: 6th Asian art exhibition of the Dharma Group, National Gallery, Bangkok

To view some of his Asian art watercolors, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Wootti Rattanakaosul

2005-02-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

Self taught Asian artist Wootti Rattanakaosul has two opposite sources of inspiration: Buddhism and the the Kamas-Sutra.

Born in 1946 in Bangkok, Asian artist Wootti experimented at first many different techniques. He has now specialized in only two: mixed acrylic and gold painting for his Buddha portrays, and black pen drawing for his nudes inspired by the Kamas sutra.

What strike one the most in his last series currently presented on asian nouveau is his sense for details and his ability to create a sense of reality in his imaginary erotic scenes. He also often integrates elements from Thai traditional arts, noticeable in his characters’ facial expressions and the rooms’ decor.

A witty character, Wootti is also one of the most controversial figures of the Thai contemporary art scene, admired for his religious inspired creations and criticized for his erotic drawings.

Disregarded by conservative Asian art collectors, Wootti is nonetheless enjoying a growing success among younger art collectors and international Asian art buyers. He has recently taken part to various exhibitions in Bangkok.

2004: Asian art festival, Gallery of the National Museum, Bangkok
2004: the new steps of 50 artists, Queen’s Gallery, Bangkok
2004: exhibition in celebration of the Queen 72nd birthday, Sicon square, Bangkok
2004: 5 centuries of art, Silom Galleria Gallery, Bangkok
2004: 26th art exhibition sponsored by the Bangkok Bank, Queen’s Gallery, Bangkok
2002: the King in the artists’ heart, Silom Galleria Gallery, Bangkok
2001: lines and colors, Chaisee Gallery, Bangkok

To view some of his Asian art drawings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Jirasak Anujohn

2005-02-27T02:10:00.000-08:00

Born in 1976 in the Northern province of Lopburi, Thailand, Asian artist Jirasak Anujohn has quickly developed a style appreciated by both Thai and foreign collectors of Asian art. His focus on fine details and his unique ability to marry lines and colors, are greatly appealing in international Asian art circles.

Few Asian artists are better able to fuse the techniques of pencil drawing and watercolor, creating illustrative-like art works which blur the line between paintings and illustrations.

Much of his inspiration is derived from his passion for the architectural heritage of Thailand and traditional scenes.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in painting from the Rajchamongkul institute in Bangkok, Asian artist Jirasak now lives and works in Bangkok where he has displayed his work in prestigious exhibitions.

2003: national art exhibition, National Museum, Bangkok
2002: Asian art exhibition, Silom Galleria, Bangkok
2001: Asian art exhibition, Rajchamongkul Institute, Bangkok
1999: Petroleum Authority art contest, Silpakorn Art Gallery, Bangkok
1996: exhibition in celebration of the Poh Chang Institute’s birthday, Bangkok

To view some of his Asian art paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Yossanan Yammuang

2005-02-26T02:00:00.000-08:00

Born in 1956 in Bangkok, Asian artist Yossanan Yammuang has dedicated his life to Asian art and painting. Assistant Dean of the Asian Art Faculty of the Rajabhat University, Yossanan is also the founder of the Siam Arts Group, a voluntary group of Asian artists joining to further promote Thai artists in the world of Asian Asia. His contributions to the Asian art community have been instrumental in putting Thai contemporary art on the Asian stage.

Yossanan is also one of the most experimental Asian artists of his generation. He never limits his style to a certain school, and always explores new territories, from realism to abstractionism, mixing as well medias and paints. He currently studies the predominance of the triangular shape in Thai traditional architecture, and the different ways it can be applied across art boundaries to painting.

His last creations are a unique blend of Eastern and Western influence, combining the forms of traditional Asian art with abstract subject matter and style. Yossanan transforms his wide talents into art that makes a deeply personal statement; creations that brings his own individuality to the world of Asian art.

His work has bought him great popularity across Asia, and he regularly exhibits in Thailand, South-Korea and Vietnam.

2004: 72 artists exhibition in celebration of the Queen’s 72nd birthday, Bangkok
2004: solo exhibition, the Biwon Hotel, South-Korea.
2004: solo exhibition, the Art Hotel, Vietnam
2004: Siam Arts solo exhibition, River City, Bangkok
2004: charity exhibition, Montien Hotel, Bangkok
2004: pleasant world art exhibition of the Dharma Group, Pattanee, Thailand
2003: Conscience, art exhibition of Dharma group, Pattravadee Gallery, Bangkok

To view some of his Asian art creations, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Sumeth Kalsumaso

2005-02-24T17:28:00.000-08:00

Asian artist Sumeth Kalsumaso was born in 1967 in the central province of Surin, Thailand. A self taught Asian artist, Sumeth has refined his own technique, mixing acrylic paints and gold leaves to lay his canvases with textured shades of black, gold and red.

His Asian art paintings are inspired by historical representations of the Buddha. In observing his work, his most striking quality is his ability to play with shadows and lightings to create elegant forms and serene subjects.

Always in search of a personal style, Sumeth continues to experiment with new colors. An emerging Asian artist, Sumeth Kalsumaso has already participated in various group exhibitions and he is enjoying a fast growing success with Thai and international Asian art collectors alike.

2004: Chao Fah national museum art festival, Bangkok
2004: 72 artists exhibition in celebration of the Queen 72 birthday, Bangkok
2004: art festival, Siam Square, Bangkok
2004: art festival, Gallery of the National Museum, Bangkok
2004: the new steps of 50 artists, Queen’s Gallery, Bangkok
2004: educative exhibition, Payap University, Bangkok

To view some of his Asian art Buddha paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Thong Udompol

2005-02-23T22:13:00.000-08:00

Asian artist Thong Udompol is one of Thailand’s most promising emerging artists. Born in 1972 in Chachoengsao, Thong perfected his fine technique and completed his formal education with a Master of Art (major in painting) from the prestigious Silapakorn University.

Asian artist Thong addresses Thailand modern society’s evils. Pollution, isolation, materialism, losses of cultural and Buddhist values are the true subjects of his creations.

In his last series of paintings, he chose the Thai street dogs to illustrate his criticism. “The dogs are abandoned on the street, and live an awful life among the garbage of our consumerism”, says Thong. “I choose the dogs because many people love dogs and are sensitive to their sufferings. They strongly reflect our mistakes and the loss of our fundamental values of compassion, care and respect of others living creatures”.

Thong Udompol displays a very mature technique in all his creations, characterized by his focus on fine details and his distinctive short brush. What strikes the most in his dog paintings is his ability to communicate human emotions through the faces and movements of the dogs.

His paintings appeal to a growing number of collectors in Thailand and Southeast Asia who have seen his works in numerous exhibitions during the past nine years. He has also received an impressive number of awards from the Asian art scene.

Selected solo and groups exhibitions:
2004: water colors of Thailand, The Siam Galleria, Bangkok
2004: the animals’ farm, All Season Place, Bangkok
2004: oriental spirits II, Heritage Club, Bangkok
2003: glory and power, The Silom Galleria, Bangkok
2003: contemporary drawing exhibition, art gallery, Mahasarakham University, Thailand
2003: Ya-Mo art, the Mall, Nakornrachasima
2003: inspired by Khorat, the Mall, Nakornrachasima
2002: 10 steps, Chulalongkorn art gallery, Bangkok
2000: art Thesis Exhibition, Silapakorn University, Bangkok
1999: contemporary art exhibition, sponsored by the Kasikorn Bank, Bangkok
1999: Vietnam-ASEAN Fine Art Contemporary Exhibition, Hanoi, Vietnam
1998: 44th National Art Exhibition, Bangkok
1998: Thai and Japanese artists exhibition, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok
1998: 22nd Buanluang Art Exhibition, Bangkok Bank, Bangkok
1997: contemporary art, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok
1997: natural and alive, Jamjuree Group of artists, World Trade Center, Bangkok
1996: 41st National Art Exhibition, Silapakorn University, Bangkok

Awards:
2004: award winner, 1st art exhibition sponsored by Samart Company, The Siam Galleria, Bangkok
1998: 1st award winner, national art competition sponsored by Philip Morris (Thailand) Ltd., National Gallery, Bangkok.
1997: 2nd award winner, national art competition sponsored by Samakke Insurance Company Ltd., Bangkok
1997: 1st award winner, 12th art competition sponsored by Thai Petroleum Ltd., Silapakorn University Gallery, Bangkok
1997: award winner, 3rd art exhibition sponsored by Panasonic Thailand, National Gallery, Bangkok
1996: award, art competition sponsored by Philip Morris (Thailand) Ltd., National Gallery, Bangkok
1995: special award, art competition sponsored by Hitachi Co.,Ltd., Bangkok

To view some of his paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Doan Hoang Lam

2005-02-22T19:25:00.000-08:00

Asian artist Lam was born in 1970 to a well-known artistic family. His father was then the most popular theatre director and his mother a well-known actress of her time. Due to their busy schedules, Lam grew up spending much of his time alone, often wondering in the streets of Hanoi observing people like a “street child”.

After graduating from the Fine Art Faculty at the Cinematography & Theatre University in 1993, Lam decided to continue his studies at the Hanoi Fine Art College (Ecole des Beaux-Arts du Vietnam), furthering his professional development as a well-trained artist, through the perfection of his oil and lacquer painting techniques.

Lam’s artistic creativity in not inhibited by the psychological need to be a Vietnamese “traditional” artist, nor is he affected by the nostalgia of countryside or some far-away lyrical childhood.

His work reveals the post-war years in Hanoi through faces and figures, expressing a narrow range of emotions of trouble, emptiness and loneliness. The markings of this long and difficult period are clearly portrayed. Lam reveals a special attachment to certain artifacts of the period, such as the electric lamps with white metal shades that were widely used in Hanoi during the proceeding 70 to 80 years. Lonely lamps with the pale light on flat surfaces act as witnesses from “far-away” poor Hanoi.

Lam does not focus on painting beautiful things that are easy on the eyes. Instead, he catches the very strong emotional moments in people’s lives from his unusual perspective. His characters are almost always in motion, their bodies and motions acting on Lam directly.

Lam’s most recent paintings exhibit a wider range of emotions, and are full of human character, evidencing more of his optimistic relationship towards life.

Solo Exhibitions:
2001: Gallery 55, Bangkok, Thailand
2000: Hanoi Studio, Hanoi, Vietnam

Selected Group Exhibitions:
2003: Atena Fine-art exhibition in Hanoi, Vietnam
2001: Atena Fine-art exhibition, Hanoi, Vietnam
1999: Vietnam-ASEAN Fine Art Contemporary Exhibition, Hanoi, Vietnam
1999: Hanoi Studio, Hanoi, Vietnam
1997: Hanoi Fine Art College, Hanoi, Vietnam

To view some of his paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Somsak Raksuwan

2005-02-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

Born in 1962 in the outskirt of Bangkok, Thailand, Somsak Raksuwan completed his formal training in 1988 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the prestigious Silapakorn University.

Contemporary impressionist Somsak’s eloquent paintings capture the essence of his subject with an exceptional sense of light and color, reminiscent of French impressionist masters. Many of his paintings are inspired by scenery observed during his travels in Thailand.

Somsak always felt strongly about color, enjoying the intensity it can bring to impress the scenery with his feelings and emotions. He endeavors to capture the true essence of nature according to Buddhism—the impermanence of all things.

Somsak Raksuwan is a significant figure in Asian contemporary art. He has exhibited prolifically in Thailand and Asia and his paintings are now held in private collections around the world.

Solo exhibitions:
2004: national gallery, Bangkok
1999: Tadu Contemporary Art Gallery, Bangkok
1997: landscapes in Thailand, Montien Hotel. Bangkok
1991: Design Line Gallery, Bangkok
1986: Vi Ni Ruj Gallery, Bangkok
1986: Ogilvy& Mather corporate Gallery, Bangkok

Selected group exhibitions:
2004: 11th art exhibition of the Dharma group, Jamjuri Gallery, Bangkok
2003: great art by 9 artists, Silom Galleria, Bangkok
2003: rhapsody of colors, Siam Discovery, Bangkok
2002: new expression of asian art exhibition, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts - Singapore, Penang state art Gallery - Malaysia, Siam Art Museum - Thailand, Tainan Arts Center - Taiwan
2002: spectacular Trang, Resonance Center, Bangkok
2002: from tradition to modernity international art exhibition, Gallery Senilukis Moden Daichi, Malaysia
2001: 12 artists from Thailand, contemporary art Galleries in Malaysia and Singapore
2001: the national gallery, Bangkok
2001: the art center, University Saius, Penang, Malaysia
2001: Eagle’s Eye Gallery, Singapore
2001: something about nude, The National Gallery, Bangkok

To view some of his paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Pracha Yindee

2005-02-20T18:16:00.000-08:00

Born in 1955, Pracha Yindee is a prominent figure of the Thai contemporary art community. Art teacher by dedication and reflective artist by belief, Pracha is one of Thailand’s most recognized meditative painters.

First he meditates to find harmony and inner peace, to reflect on his feelings and the impermanence of all things. And then, he stands up and infuses his papers with fluid brushstrokes of a rare intensity. He has a unique ability to create continuous and deep movements of colors, always changing, evolving into new shapes.

His latests paintings are a reflection on clouds as a metaphoric representation of the true nature of all things: their impermanence. “I love observing clouds. They wander, gather and merge, break away, darken before the rain and lighten on sunny days. Clouds are a true symbol of the Buddhism belief: nothing lasts forever,” Pracha says.

A great master with a profound philosophical message, Prachaa Yindee’s contemporary creations have been critically acclaimed for more than 20 years. His work is represented in many private international collections.

Back from creative retirement, a period of his life he dedicated to teaching art, Pracha Yindee has taken part in numerous recent exhibitions:

2004: pleasant world art exhibition of the Dharma Group, Contemporary Art Gallery, Kanchanaburi
2004: 72 artists exhibition in celebration of the Queen’s 72nd birthday, Bangkok
2004: pleasant world art exhibition of the Dharma Group, Pattanee, Thailand
2004: 11th art exhibition of the Dharma group, Jamjuri Gallery, Bangkok
2004: natural painting, Contemporary Art Gallery, Kanchanaburi
2003: the mind’s virtues, art exhibition of the Dharma Group, Pattalung Art Gallery and Kao Wieng Buddhist temple
2003: the mind’s virtues, art exhibition of the Dharma Group, Pattarawadee Gallery, Bangkok
1984: 5th exhibition of the Dharma group Exhibition, Prirassi Gallery, Bangkok
1983: 5th Thai Art exhibition, Silapakorn University, Bangkok
1982: 4th Thai Art exhibition, Silapakorn University, Bangkok
1982: 4th exhibition of the Dharma group Exhibition, Goethe Institute, Bangkok
1981: 3rd Thai Art exhibition, Silapakorn University, Bangkok
1980: 2nd Thai Art exhibition, Goethe Institute, Bangkok
1979: 1st Thai Art exhibition, Bangkok

To view some of his abstract paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Phuthai Muenpun

2005-02-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

Born in 1975 in Nakornsritammarat, Asian artist Phuthai Muenpun is one of Thailand’s most talented emerging Asian artists. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Art from the Faculty of Fine Art, Chiangmai University, Phuthai came to live and work in Bangkok.

Many of his paintings are inspired by Thai traditions. In his last series presented on asiannouveau.com, Phuthai stages the traditional Thai puppets. “When I paint, I love showing our culture and traditions. Furthermore, each Thai puppet has different characteristic and display a specific set of movements and expressions. I use them to show my emotions, acting as the mirror of my mind”.

Laying his canvases with short and precise brush stokes and creating passionate movements,
Phuthai has developed a style that has captivated art connoisseurs.

Phuthai Muenpun displays a very matured technique in all his creations. His works of art appeal to a growing number of collectors in Thailand and Southeast Asia alike. He has taken part in numerous exhibitions in the last eight years and has already received a significant number of awards.

Selected exhibitions:
2003: water color exhibition “Patthai”, Amari Watergate Hotel, Bangkok
2002: The King in the heart of the artists, Silom Gallery, Bangkok
2001: water color exhibition “Meeting”, Landmark Hotel, Bangkok
1999: contemporary art exhibition, sponsored by Kasikorn Bank, Bangkok
1997: art exhibition by the students of the Faculty of Painting, Chiangmai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
1997: art exhibition sponsored by the Boon Rawd Brewery, Bangkok
1997: water color exhibition, Jamjuree gallery, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
1997: art exhibition, “Technology and culture” sponsored by Hitachi Thailand, Siam Discovery, Bangkok

Awards:
2004: gold award winner, 1st art competition sponsored by Samart Company, Siam Discovery, Bangkok
1999: Thailand Art award, art competition sponsored by Philippe Morris (Thailand) Ltd., National Gallery, Bangkok
1998: award, “Amazing Technology in arts” art competition sponsored by Hitachi Thailand, Bangkok
1998: award, “65th anniversary”, art exhibition sponsored by the Boon Rawd Brewery, Bangkok
1995: supporting award, art exhibition sponsored by Toshiba Thailand, Bangkok
1994: 2nd award, Andaman Sky art, Krabiart competition,Krabi, Thailand
1992: winner award, arts for young people, national art competition, Nakornsrithammaraj, Thailand

To view some of his abstract paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Maitree Homthong

2005-02-15T17:23:00.000-08:00

Born in 1961, in the North-eastern Province of Ubonrajathani, Thailand, Asian artist Maitree Homthong came to Bangkok in 1978 to attend the fine arts program of Srinakarinthaviroj University.

Coming from a rural and pristine natural environment, Maitree was stunned by the hustle and bustle, noise and pollution of the capital. This experience profoundly influenced his work and dedication for painting abstract representations of modern society’s evils. Matters like anarchic urban growth, isolation, pollution, material desires and cravings are the true subjects of his creations.

According to Maitree, “Art is for the spirit,” a way to exorcise his aversions. He always rejected any literal depictions of his emotions, and favors abstract transcriptions. Substance and void, lighting and shades, connectedness and parallelism are recurrent themes in his work.

Maitree powerfully blends negative emotions with pure forms, to create contrasts of shapes, movements and tones that transcend visual aesthetics.

A rising star of the Asian contemporary art scene, Maitree Homthong’s work has been featured in exhibitions throughout Thailand and is represented in many private collections.

2004: three artists exhibition, Jamjuri Gallery, Bangkok
2004: 72 artists exhibition in celebration of the Queen 72 birthday, Bangkok
2003: Tale Noi Gallery, Pattalung
2002: 72 artists exhibition in celebration of the King 72 birthday, Bangkok
2002: 72 artists exhibition in celebration of the King 72 birthday, Bangna
2000: Happiness in Color, Emjaroen Family exhibition, Kaesorn Plaza, Bangkok
1983: 4th art exhibition of the Dharma group, Bangkok
1981: Poh chang students art exhibition, Bangkok
1979: 4th art exhibition, Silapakorn University, Thailand
1978: 27th national art exhibition, Bangkok

To view some of his abstract paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Do Son

2005-02-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

Asian artist Do Son was born in Vietnam in 1943. Like almost all of his peers, Do Son grew up during the war as a soldier. At that time, his paintings depicted mostly soldiers’ lives. However, his style changed since the early 90’s. His works now reflect two different worlds: a world of war & soldiers; and a world of peace & lyrical dreams.

Through these two different styles, one can still recognize the “sincere” emotions of the artist. In his later style, especially after 1994, his paintings have become sweet as lullabies, bringing the viewers to another realm.

At first, figures of women, executed in bright hues of blue, green or pure red, interspersed with orange, yellow & white, are reminiscent of Marc Chagall. Eventually, his artworks have evaded being stronger & more personal. While he practiced a meticulous & elaborate style in his earlier phase, Asian artist Do Son attains freedom in his reveries & lyricism in his later style.

Do Son is considered to be one of Asia’s most accomplished artist, both in his country and internationally. He has exhibited his creations throughout Asia and in the United States, and his work is represented in public collections including the Meridian International Centre, Washington DC, U.S.A.

Selected solo exhibitions:
2002: Gallery 55, Bangkok, Thailand
2001: Thang Long Gallery, Hanoi, Vietnam
1997: Dong Son Gallery, Hanoi, Vietnam
1997: Meridian International Centre, Washington DC, U.S.A.

Awards:
1984: Gold Medal, Vietnam National Fine Arts Exhibition
1980: Silver Medal, Vietnam National Fine Art Exhibition

Public collections:
Vietnam National Fine Art Museum
Singapore National Fine Art Museum
Meridian International Centre, Washington DC, U.S.A.

To view some of his paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Wu Yiming

2005-02-11T01:03:00.000-08:00

Born in the 1966, Wu Yiming pursued his studies in the relatively liberal academic environment following reforms & opening door policies in the 80’s China. His painting style gradually took shape in the 90s - the period his hometown Shanghai made rapid economic development.

His recent works depict the contemporary youth of the city. The shadowy images of young men & women bring us to the sense of an innovative version of stage drama, where the young people seem to live in the 21st century.

Observing Wu Yiming’s works, what attracts the attention are the edges of the images. The paradoxical outer contours look as if the painter has deliberately painted in & then erased numerous details. The eyes of the observer often become entangled in their search for images & although there are large areas of solid color that afford some rest, there are no clearly defined boundaries between characters & space.

Wu Yiming’s creations appeal to a growing number of collectors in Asia and western countries alike.

Selected solo exhibitions:
2004: Gallery 55, Bangkok, Thailand
2002: Gallery Waldburger, Berlin, Germany
1999: ShanghART, Shanghai, China
1997: ShanghART, Shanghai, China

Selected group exhibitions:
2003: Millennium Art Museum, Beijing, China
2003: Gallery 55, Bangkok, Thailand
2002: Bizart, Shanghai, China
1999: BM99 Bienal da Maia, Maia, Portugal
1999: Liu Haisu Museum, Shanghai, China
1993: Shanghai Art Museum, China

To view some of his paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Wittawat Tongkaew

2005-02-09T19:05:00.000-08:00

Wittawat Tongkaew is one of Thailand’s most promising emerging artists. Born in 1974 in Bangkok, Wittawat completed his formal education with a Bachelor of Art from the Silapakorn University.

In observing a painting by Wittawat Tongkaew, what strikes one the most is the photography-like qualities of his creations. Much of his inspiration is derived from his leisurely walks in the city of Bangkok. Hyper realistic painter Wittawat captures on his canvases glimpses of beauty in the middle of the modern metropolis.

“The city has changed a lot in the last 20 years. Sky-scrappers and elevated highways are now to be seen everywhere, traffic, and gas emissions from cars and factories alike pollute our environment. But there are always peaceful corners to relax in. If you pay attention to the sceneries around you, you will see magical beauty in the city; rays of sun illuminating an old wooden house, the sunset by the river… I want to capture those poetic instants to show everyone that natural beauty is still to be found in Bangkok,” says hyper-realistic painter Wittawat.

Wittawat displays a very matured technique in all his creations. His works of art appeal to a growing number of collectors in Thailand and Southeast Asia alike.

He has taken part in numerous exhibitions in the last three years and has already received an impressive number of awards.

2004: selected with 6 other Thai artists for the “Fly THAI with Thai Artists” exhibition sponsored by Thai Airways Public Company.
2004: New Face New Phase art exhibition, Queen’s Gallery, Bangkok, Thailand
2004: award winner, 6th art exhibition sponsored by Panasonic Thailand, National Gallery, Bangkok
2004: 50th national art exhibition, National Gallery, Bangkok, Thailand
2003: award winner, 5th art exhibition sponsored by Panasonic Thailand, National Gallery, Bangkok
2003: award winner, ASEAN art competition sponsored by Philip Morris (Thailand) Ltd., National Gallery, Bangkok
2003: 49th national exhibition in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Silapakorn University, National Gallery, Bangkok.
2003: first prize, 15th art competition sponsored by Toshiba (Thailand) Ltd., National Gallery, Bangkok
2003: honorable award winner, 18th art competition sponsored by Thai Petroleum Ltd., Silapakorn University Gallery, Bangkok
2002: 48th National Art Exhibition, Bangkok
2002: award winner, 14th art competition sponsored by Toshiba (Thailand) Ltd., Bangkok
2002: award winner, 17th art competition sponsored by Thai Petroleum Ltd., Silapakorn University Gallery, Bangkok
2002: exhibition for the 60th anniversary of the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silapakorn University.
2002: the way to art Exhibition, Silapakorn University Gallery, Bangkok

To view some of his hyper-realistic paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Preecha Pun-klum

2005-02-08T22:25:00.000-08:00

Born in 1967 in Phitsanulok, a city located in the central plains of Thailand, Preecha Pun-klum is one of Asia’s most respected and admired artists.

After obtaining his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Chiang Mai University in 1988, and a first teaching experience in Chiang Mai, Preecha came to Bangkok to complete his education with a Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious Silapakorn University. A discerning art scholar, Preecha now teaches and manages the Master of Fine art program (specialization in Graphic Arts) at this University.

In hislast series of paintings , Preecha endeavors to capture the ephemeral beauty of various phenomena, and to represent with subtle plays of colors and dimensions the emotions they trigger. “Fireworks are the perfect illustration of what a man’s life should be, short but filled with the willingness to create pleasure and happiness,” says Preecha. Preecha has developed a flamboyant style which is unique: composed and precise brushstrokes create vibrant contrasts of pure color, lines and tones.

“Rain in a sunny sky is another remarkable phenomenon. Raindrops glitters through the sky and bring me a sense of peaceful but powerful energy. I understand that not everyone will feel the same emotion watching the same phenomenon, and when painting, I am not trying to represent the phenomenon itself, but rather my feelings, to share my experience with others.”

Over the past years, Asian artist Preecha Pun-Klum has won numerous awards and his work is held in most of the major national collections in Thailand.

1980: 2nd Prize, art competition of the Lanna artists group
1987: 3rd Medal prize (printmaking), 33rd National art competition
1987: Silver prize, national art competition for young artists
1987: 3rd Prize, art competition of the Lanna artists group
1991: Award winner, 4th art competition sponsored by Toshiba (Thailand)
1993: Award winner, art competition sponsored by Petroleum Authority of Thailand
1994: Award winner, 8th art competition sponsored by the Thai Farmer Bank
1996: 3rd Medal prize (printmaking), 42nd National Art competition
1997: Grand prize, contemporary art competition, sponsored by Panasonic Co. (Thailand)
1997: Grand prize, contemporary art competition, sponsored by Phillip Morris Co.
1997: Award winner, art competition sponsored by Toshiba Co. (Thailand)
1998: Gold medal, art competition for Singha Ltd. 65th birthday celebration
1999: elected prize for exhibition in celebration of H.M. the king’s 6th cycle birthday anniversary

To view some of his abstract paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Jiang Zhenggen

2005-02-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

Born in 1958 in Shanghai, Jiang Zhenggen has been an active force in Shanghai art scene, popular with his Chinese ink-on-paper depictions of the landscape & nature. In recent years, he has turned to abstraction for showing his perception of the new “golden age” of Shanghai.

The development of the city of Shanghai has been tremendous for the past decade. The lives of ordinary people have also been transformed to a point that everyone is lost somewhere in searching.

Jiang brings to the world his vision, thoughts, as well as concerns & temporary solution on a very personal level in his creations.

His studio has also become a place for meditation & soul searching with ashes of incense, Buddhist books & relics, Buddha sculptures all over the place, while cups of Chinese Woolong tea never empty on an alter table. “My life has come to a point I need to meditate in order to find peace of mind,” Jiang confessed that he felt the changes in Shanghai had left people with a sense of desperation & vacuum.

Among his ultra simple but stylish paintings, viewers may find something quietly, abstractly & disturbingly beautiful – the fast development of the city landscape made the ordinary people retrieving into another “place” for adjusting & soul searching.

Jiang has exhibited his work throughout Asia, the United States and Europe. He is currently a vice-chairman of the Shanghai Artists Association, and a member of the Chinese Artists Association.

Selected Solo&Group Exhibitions:
2004: Gallery 55, Bangkok, Thailand
2003: D.V.O. Gallery, Brussels, Belgium
2002: Los Angeles Biennial, U.S.A.
2001: Shanghai 2nd Abstract Art Exhibition, China
2000: Shanghai 1st Abstract Art Exhibition, China
1999: Shanghai Modern Art in Russia
1998: China Fine Art Exhibition, Beijing, China
1997: China Modern Art in New Zealand
1994: Shanghai Contemporary Art in Japan

To view some of his paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Le Thiet Cuong

2005-02-07T01:40:00.000-08:00

Le Thiet Cuong was born in 1962 into a family of artists in Hanoi. His father, Le Nguyen, is a renowned film scriptwriter, playwright and poet. His mother, Do Phuong Thao, is a famous cinematographer.

Cuong is part of a generation that has seen enormous changes within his country. From 1964 to 1973, Le Thiet's family evacuated to Binh Da village in the Vietnamese countryside. After returning to Hanoi, he studied Set Design and Animation at the Vietnam State Film College from 1985 to 1990. He then began to study Tay Tang, a Vietnamese version of the Tibetan Buddhist practice of Dzogchen.

The Buddhism teaching and philosophy of life impresses many of his representations of everyday life in Vietnam.

Cuong’s work addresses the impermanence of all things and life, according to Buddhist ideals and the lessons of the I-Ching, the Book of Changes. His message is both hopeful and inspiring. He focuses on the value of awareness, simplicity and compassion, as protection from life’s ups and downs. Cuong wishes to inspire us to live a mindful and simple existence.

After his first successful exhibition “The Quite Path” in Hong Kong and Singapore in 1995, Cuong now is a much sought-after artist both in Asia and in the West. His works have been seen in many countries, including Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and the United States.

Individual Exhibitions:
2004: Gallery 55, Bangkok, Thailand
2004: Shingendo Gallery, Tokyo, Japan
2004: Gajah Gallery, Singapore
2004: Dragon Gallery, Hanoi, Vietnam
2003: Plum Blossoms Gallery, New York, U.S.A.
2002: Gallery 55, Bangkok, Thailand
2001: Dragon, Hanoi, Vietnam
2000: Gallery 55, Bangkok, Thailand
1999: Plum Blossoms, Hong Kong & Singapore
1998: Gallery Andy Jilien, Zurich, Switzerland
1997: Plum Blossoms, Hong Kong & Singapore
1995: Plum Blossoms, Hong Kong & Singapore
1991: Centre for Exhibition & Artistic Exchange, Hanoi, Vietnam

Selected Group Exhibitions:
2000: Vietnam National Fine Art Museum
1997: Espace Meridien, Bruxelles, Belgium
1997: Cork Street Gallery, London, UK
1997: Bassano del Grappa, Italy
1997: Meridian International Centre, Washington D.C., USA
1997: Centre Wallonie-Bruxelles, Paris, France
1997: Novotel Gallery, Vientiane, Laos
1996: SI Centrum, Stuttgart, Germany

Public Collections:
Singapore National Museum

MEETING MYSELF, Le Thiet Cuong, Hanoi, 2004

Leaves come upwards their branch
Lines of rain turn into land
I return to me to find myself
Not just to ask, but to self-ask
Not dialogue, but monologue
Not just looking at my image, but at my own self in the mirror
Not many paths, but only one path
Artist creates the path to return to his own
Artistic way is the way from self to self
One has to go very far & long to return to himself
Crossing a narrow section of a river to other side is meeting each other – that is the meeting with the own self

To view some of his paintings, please visit: Asian art
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Asian artist: Sawang Charoenpala

2005-02-02T20:51:00.000-08:00

Iconic Asian artist of the Thai contemporary art scene, Sawang Charoenpala was born in 1943,in the central Province of Lopburi. A self taught artist, Sawang has created a style that has captivated international art collectors for his focus on movements and powerful and energetic brush.Acclaimed by international critics but somehow disregarded by some Thai art collectors, his talents and concepts of art have been honed over the years and never forced into the container of a particular style. A bubbly and uncompromising character, Sawang knows what he likes and dislikes and will say it and paint it loud!

Instead of using forms as an attribute of an object, art became Sawang’s medium through which he might generate emotions, laying his canvases with intense brush stokes and creating passionate movements.Sawang now lives and works from his home and studio in Bangkok. He exhibits regularly and has also worked on various private commissions from international collectors.

Solo and groups exhibitions
2004: 72 artists exhibition in celebration of the Queen 72 birthday, Bangkok
2004: 11th art exhibition of the Dharma group, Jamjuri Gallery, Bangkok
2004: natural painting, Contemporary Art Gallery, Kanchanaburi
2001: 25 famous Thai artists exhibition, Phloenchit Center, Bangkok
1999: 26 artists exhibition, Mercury Gallery, Bangkok
1993: 7th art exhibition of the Dharma group, National Gallery, Bangkok
1992: the natural beauty of gardens and forests, Bangkok University Art Gallery, Bangkok
1991: the power of beauty, art exhibition, River City, Bangkok
1987: art exhibition for the King, National Gallery, Bangkok1983: 6th art exhibition of the Dharma group, Goethe Institute, Bangkok
1982: solo exhibition, Cothenbura Gallery, Sweden
1980: solo exhibition, Cothenbura Gallery, Sweden
1976: 3rd art exhibition of the Dharma group, Prirassi Gallery, Bangkok

To view some of his abstract paintings, please visit: Asian art
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