CHIANG MAI: DIVERSE VISIONS

News Release
13 October 2009

Chiang Mai : Diverse Visions
Art Exhibition by MFA graduates from the Department of Painting, Faculty of Fine Art, Chiang Mai University
Curated by Assistant Professor Somporn Rodboon

At The Art Center, 7th Fl, Center of Academic Resources (Central Library), Chulalongkorn University
October 19 – November 28, 2009
Opening Reception: Monday October 19, 2009, 6-8pm

“Chiang Mai: Diverse Visions” is a group exhibition by MFA graduates from the Painting Department, Faculty of Fine Art, Chiang Mai University. This is their first show together, presented at The Art Center, Center of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University. Diverse in visions, forms, techniques and expression processes, the seven artists express their individual identity through the unique characters of painting, with great beauty and meaning.

Artists:

Srijai Kuntawang offers paintings that have been inspired by murals found at the many Lanna temples and shrines. Atmospheric and complex in the use of paint, they portray mindfulness, faith in Buddhism and traces of the time gone by.



Thanom Chantacruea employs skillful brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette to depict the joy and energy which comes from the harmonious gathering of Lanna folks for their traditional celebrations.


Morrakot Naksin turns the lines, colors and simple shapes derived from Lanna women’s clothing, hairstyle and umbrellas into unique compositions. His paintings depict the beauty of the Northern culture.


Auxchanok Chirakul and Apirak Jianpinidnun both give importance to the subject of nature and the environment, but each in a completely different aspect. Auxchanok shares his joy with the viewer through his use of delicate brushstrokes and colors to portray his feelings and the beautiful nature in an exquisite abstract form. Meanwhile, Apirak works with sophisticated compositions, pattern-making and atmospheric color, all derived from his interest in music, sound, atmosphere and his surroundings. The artist expresses his thoughts and feelings in abstract and semi-abstract forms, hidden with silent, continuous movement.

Suppharat Ratcharin is the only female artist in this show. She uses flowers from various Thai literary works as metaphors for women’s feelings, which are delicate, soft, profound and strong. The petals and their colors indicate the artist’s emotions in various facets.

Pichit Penroj’s work is unique from other artists in this group. He depicts his concern about the effects of genetically-modified organisms on humans and the environment with his mixed-media, three-dimensional paintings. They pose questions for the viewer to think over the advantages and disadvantages of this technology.

This group exhibition by the seven painters from Chiang Mai does not only reflect their individuality and social and environmental surroundings, but also the effect the Northern culture has on each artist’s expression.

Somporn Rodboon
October 2009

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