Innovative non-profit arts organisation Wai Art has joined hands with leading hotel Banyan Tree Bangkok to launch a series of exhibitions aimed at promoting young and up and coming artists in Thailand and give them an opportunity to showcase their talents.
The partnership will see the works of Thanapon Junkasain open on February 16 – a collection of contemporary Buddhist paintings that explore the concepts of right and wrong in society by drawing on traditional mythology – which he brings to life in his first solo exhibition.
The show – titled Mara – will be exhibited at the Banyan Tree Bangkok until March 31 and is open daily.
For so many artists in Thailand there are few opportunities to exhibit their work as galleries are not keen on taking on an unproven artist.
Key to Wai Art’s philosophy and the partnership with the Banyan Tree Bangkok – is to not only provide this opportunity but to ensure that sales profits are given to the artists rather than the galleries. A small amount of the proceeds will also be donated to Banyan Tree Bangkok’s Corporate Social Responsibility Fund, which supports various community projects in Thailand.
Typically artists in Thailand need to work as lecturers in universities or have a range of other jobs to survive rather than have the time to truly develop their skills. There is no creative support system. But this is something Wai Art curator Thanom Chapakdee – who has worked with artists in Thailand for more than 30 years – is seeking to change.
“Thai artists are hugely undervalued. This is not because of a lack of talent but because they lack the opportunity,” he said. “There is a disconnect here and one which is not only stifling the innate creativity in Thailand but obstructing an appreciation of arts and its role in society in a wider sense.
“We are very happy that Banyan Tree Bangkok shares our vision and we hope to work with them on many projects to help develop the young pool of artists in Thailand.”
The Banyan Tree Bangkok, which belongs to the award-winning global hospitality group of the same name, has embraced the partnership as it not only supports the local community but enriches the experiences of its guests, added General Manager Sriram Kailasam.
“We are delighted to be working with Wai Art to develop young Thai artists. Creativity is such a unique treasure that we are pleased to play a role, however small, in its fostering and development in Thailand – and be the host venue for this superb exhibition by such a promising painter,” he said.
“We are sure our guests will enjoy it and of course the general public is always welcome to come and view the works on any day of the week.” (PR)
