Relationship between the colours and the Decorative Designs in Thai Architecture
Learn more about Decorative Designs in Thai Architecture through an artwork
Smat Suwannapong creates oil paintings that translate his personal impressions of the decorative motifs found in Thai architecture.
The work follows principles of traditional Thai art, particularly rhythm and repetition, expressed through the rendering of motifs and tonal variations. The clustered repetition of various Thai patterns conveys a profound sense of unwavering faith.
Relationship between the colours and the Decorative Designs in Thai Architecture -J (1989) by Smat SuwannapongArt Centre Silpakorn University
Whereas traditional Thai painting emphasises line, flat colour application, and meticulous repetition of motifs, the artist employs his own distinctive technique by using bold brushstrokes and thick layers of oil paint to accentuate texture and intricate details.
Techniques such as scraping or wiping away the upper layers of paint to reveal colours beneath enrich the surface, imbuing it with vitality and a sense of movement. These traces may be seen as rhythms of emotion that produce a striking aesthetic.
Relationship between the colours and the Decorative Designs in Thai Architecture -J (1989) by Smat SuwannapongArt Centre Silpakorn University
Beyond brushwork, the artist’s colour palette resonates with the gold and coloured glass commonly used in Thai architectural ornamentation. Shades of yellow, ranging from cool greenish tones to warm orange or golden hues, are particularly prominent.
Depth is achieved through layered, translucent applications of paint, creating a radiant quality reminiscent of mosaic inlays. Harmony within the composition is enhanced through the use of complementary contrasts, such as swift overlays of darker tones to unify the colours.
The artist’s personal admiration for the brilliance of colours and textures in Thai architectural ornamentation — golden hues and the lustrous surfaces of coloured glass under shifting light — finds expression in works that embody tranquillity, grace, and refined Thai elegance.
The aesthetic quality of this piece reflects mastery of brush technique and precision in the rendering of Thai motifs, as well as a sophisticated use of tonal balance and colour blending, attesting to the artist’s profound understanding of Thai art.
Check out more arts from Thailand at Thailand Art Up Close
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