KAYA, an Exhibition of Figurative Art from Old to Modern Siam
Explore how human figure reflects Thai society through Silpakorn Art Collection.
Blind Musicians (1967) by Bundit PadungvichianArt Centre Silpakorn University
The Journey from Old Siam to Modern Siam
Leaving behind traditional Thai arts shaped by the cultures within temples and palaces, welcoming an influx of Western art and modern society, Thailand has changed its types of arts significantly since 1923.
From portraying imaginary deities in Buddhist mythology to depicting realistic arts true to a Western theory, Realism was welcomed in the reign of King Rama VI—the period in which Italian sculptor Silpa Bhirasri began working in Thailand.
Modern art was fully received in Thai society from 1947 to 1948 as it was represented in paintings with theoretically realistic anatomy which was subsequently developed in abstract forms in 1967.
In 1950s, artwork featuring human anatomy tended to embody simple ways of life in local areas and peaceful society. In fact, those art pieces created in such way possibly reflect the portrayals of the tranquil past, which transitioned from the word “development.”
Charity Ball (1968) by Bundit PadungvichianArt Centre Silpakorn University
Change in Portrayals of Human Figures
Images of human figures were featured multiple times in the artwork displayed at the National Exhibition of Art such as the work by Bundit Padungvichien and Chakrabhand Posayakrit (in 1960s) who aimed to illustrate their message through the presentation of human bodies.
Bundit decided to omit the precision of body figures and approached realism through illustrations of body movements and facial expressions in his artwork, all of which indicated change in depiction of human bodies in modern art.
As human figures had been illustrated according to individual perspective or external influences such as politics, society, religions, and even the dynamics in the art world, artwork changed according to the world dynamics, similar to the subsequent periods. The world of art has transitioned into the new era in which modern art faces challenges from newer perspectives.
Portraits or realistic paintings, true to what is seen through both eyes, may no longer be necessary when making art. In fact, art is like a reflection of self, society, and the world of art. Therefore, illustration of human bodies has become boundless imagination once again.
Realism had its gradual decline implicitly due to societal pressure, despair, and urban life.
Eventually, the depiction of human bodies returned to its original state in which peace was pursued and the ultimate truth of natural rules, religions, or showcase of despair in hell was illustrated as reminders for people.
Friends (1969) by Chakrabhand PosayakritArt Centre Silpakorn University
The ways human anatomy was portrayed in art have been through religious, social, political, and individual contexts in the history of art in Thailand. This development still continues consistently, aligns with society, and serves as a mirror which reflected lives in Thai society.
KAYA : an Exhibition of Figurative Art from Old to Modern Siam
Curated by Kritsada Duchsadeevanich
Organized by the Art Centre Silpakorn University
On view from 10 to 28 September 2014 at the National Gallery.
The exhibition is curated from Silpakorn Art Collections that belongs to Silpakorn University. They are award-winning works from the National Exhibition of Art and Exhibition of Contemporary Art by Young Artists that are under the care and management of the Art Centre Silpakorn University. The curated exhibition of these art collections are held under specific thematic concepts of art, which focuses on educational purpose and aim to motivate the learning and understanding of art development in Thailand.
ART CENTRE SILPAKORN UNIVERSITY
31 Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borommaharatchawang, Phra Nakorn, BKK 10200
http://www.art-centre.su.ac.th
