Thailand has experienced extensive transformation in recent years, a change that is increasingly reflected by the growing avant-garde of talented artists.
The rise of contemporary art in Thailand might seem slow-paced owing to inadequate government investment, but a handful of private institutions abroad and at home have been catalysts for its development and growth. So, meet some of the rising contemporary artists of Thailand who have gained fame on a national as well as international level.
KorakritArunanondchai
KorakritArunanondchai is a Bangkok and New York-based artist and his art is largely inspired by his multiculturalism. He has gained popularity amongst the mass for his self-reflective explorations of identity and culture. The artist produces in a range of mediums and in 2015, he was named one of Christie’s “Ones to Watch”.
KritsanaChaikitwattana
KritsanaChaikitwattana obtained his Master’s Degree from Silpakorn University and set out to dazzle the world with his abstract works, primarily focusing on the dissonance between fiction and fact and illusion and reality. Chaikitwattana mixes Buddhist teachings and Western Art in his artwork. His fascinating and unique paintings make him one of the most noteworthy artists in Thailand.
VasanSitthiket
VasanSitthiket is a self-proclaimed anarchist, studied in Bangkok’s College of Fine Art and is one of the country’s most politically engaged artists. His artworks are inherently provocative and are often political and always controversial. However, Sitthiket’s artworks have stirred the interest of art critics since his debut exhibitions in the 1970s. The works of the artist can be inspected up close at Thailand’s National Art Gallery, New York Museum of Modern Art, and the Singapore Art Museum.
PhannapastTaychamaythakool
PhannapastTaychamaythakoolis popular in Thailand for propelling wearable art to a new dimension and the artist rose to international recognition following a collaboration with Gucci in 2017. The illustrations of Taychamaythakool were displayed in the worldwide promotion of Maison’s stores’ for its Le Marché des Merveilles jewelry collection. The Thai artist has since become synonymous with whimsical, ethereal creations, and linked with Gucci.
TherdkiatWangwatcharakul
TherdkiatWangwatcharakul can certainly be considered one of Thailand’s most prolific painters. The artist is often seen using oil paint on aluminum sheets or canvas to skillfully enhance his play of light and shadow. The paintings of Wangwatcharakul look very much alive and invoke an intense sense of empathy in the viewer. At the same time, the peculiar painting technique of the artist creates a certain unreachable distance.
If you love art, investing in contemporary Thai art may be the next trend for you!
