Miscellaneous Abstract, an Exhibition of Abstract Art Movement in Thailand
Explore the history of abstract art movement in Thailand in its early stage through Silpakorn Art Collection.
Truth is a core of abstract art
Abstract art was developed and blossomed in Thailand in the period spanning roughly between 1957 and 1977. This new art departs from a focus on story, content, and truth to a particular emphasis on shape, form, colour and line.
In Thailand, this concept originated out of an attempt to find an entry into abstract art in European modern art beginning in the 20th century. Throughout the century, abstract art dominated modern art criticism and theory in Europe.
When it first came to Thailand in around 1957, it took the form of Cubism. Therefore, the development period of Cubism is considered to be a major transition from realist to abstract art. In this era, the role and popularity of realist beauty began to wane, replaced by the beauty resulting from the unity of all visual elements combined. This is how abstract art arrived in Thailand.
New World (1972) by Decha WarachoonArt Centre Silpakorn University
New Art for A New Era
Abstract art became dominant in the Thai society in 1967. In this period, this art form reached its zenith in the history of Thai modern art. Abstract art in this period is regarded as complete in terms of unity of visual elements and pure beauty.
This period is celebrated as a golden era in the history of Thai modern art. In this era, abstract art was immensely popular among Thai artists. Avant-garde artists usually turned to this art form. Its prominence was reflected in the national fine art competitions, National Exhibition of Art, held between 1976 and 1980, where most of the artworks submitted and exhibited were abstract art. This period witnessed the flourishing of abstract art in Thailand.
Jungle (1965) by Nipon PritakomolArt Centre Silpakorn University
Abstract Art: A Peaceful Path to Beat Movement
Abstract art grew and developed most conspicuously in around 1967 when it began to develop, expand and diversify by itself. Abstract begins with the beauty of visual elements, harmony and unity of all art components.
Therefore, this art period is characterised by simplicity, beauty and modernity.
Between 1967-1977, abstract art occupied and dominated the Thai creative space, while the form which was hugely popular is Hard Edge. Hard-edge painting is characterised by sharp and clear out edges. Dimensionless, most of the art pieces took the form of flat geometric shapes identical to prints on flat surfaces. Hard-edge painting highlights the use of colour and proper weight while refusing content.
The beauty which result from this art form is the beauty in form and positioning that creates unity of all visual elements combined to create an artwork.
The creative process of abstract art, particularly hard-edge painting, puts an emphasis on the development of techniques to create more harmonious artworks. Apart from painting, one widely used technique was prints.
Wall E (1979) by Ithipol ThangchalokArt Centre Silpakorn University
Prints was particularly popular and widely adopted in creating abstract artworks during the period.
This was because the technique perfectly corresponded to the flatness of shapes and positioning according to the principles of elements of art, which did not place importance on the quality of being realist.
Painting (1969) by Anan PaninArt Centre Silpakorn University
Abstract Arts: The Moving Path to Create Peace
Apart from abstract art, especially hard-edge painting mentioned earlier, there was another way to create art. That is to make use of visual elements that seem to be ever-moving and the use of outstanding colour and brush to create free forms and amusing marks on surfaces.
This quality can be seen in painting. Paintings are inundated with expressive emotions. However, it is not an explosion of intense feelings, but a calm and orderly expression of all art components.
One of the core elements of abstract artworks are beauty which results from harmony and unity in positioning of all visual elements. This beauty is pure beauty and free from social constraints and controls.
The audience can appreciate this beauty based on their personal taste, experience and visual interactions with all visual elements. The objective is not to understand it. The comprehension is not essential to the audience of abstract art. What helps them to appreciate is “feeling”.
Miscellaneous Abstract : an Exhibition of Abstract Art Movement in Thailand
Curated by Kritsada Duchsadeevanich
Organized by the Art Centre Silpakorn University.
On view from 12 to 31 October 2013 Art Centre Silpakorn University.
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
