From palette to paper

Major securities firm Asia Plus is setting out to widen the horizons of young artists with the launch of the fourth edition of its annual art contest.

The 4th Asia Plus Art Contest has a new concept too this year that’s been dubbed the “Rhythm of Light and Colour.”

“We’ve been running the contest for the last three years and have received good feedback. Every year, we see an increase in the number of artists submitting their works to the contest from various fields including young people and art students,” says Dr Kongkiat Opaswongkarn, chief executive officer of Asia Plus Securities.

“Last year, we had approximately 200 entries, which was considerably higher than the first year. Most importantly, the additional paintings were submitted by new artists and this is in line with what we want to do with this contest. We were very excited to see new artists paying attention to the competition and are happy to support them. We believe that new Thai artists can go international,” he adds. 

“Under the new concept of ‘Rhythm of Light and Colour’, we would like contestants to have more freedom of thought and imagination in their paintings. The rhythm of light and colour is the most important artistic component,” says Nintira Sophonpanich, a director of Asia Plus Securities. 

“Our four famous artists-cum-judges, Thawan Dachanee, Ithipol Thangchalok, Chalermchai Kositpipat and Somsak Raksuwan, like the idea of this concept and expecting to discover more new talents.”

 “This year’s concept is more interesting and wider than the ones used by other contests, where the concept can often limit creativity. Art is freedom. The artists should have freedom to use maximum creativity to come up with their works of art. What’s important thing is how they interpret the concept while having fun with it,” says Chalermchai.

 “This concept is simple but new artists might find the current political situation makes it difficult to bring light and colour to their works. But light and colour need not only represent happiness,” he adds. The contest is open to members of the public as well as students. To enter, submit a 2D work in acrylics, oils or other media at a size not exceeding 150 x 200 centimetres excluding the frame. Each contestant can submit a maximum of two works. 

They should be delivered to Asia Plus Securities (Public Relations), 3rd floor, Sathorn City Tower, Sathorn Tai Road, Thung Mahamek, Bangkok between June 2 and 6. The winning artists will be announced on June 30 via www.AsiaPlus.co.th. The first prize winner receives Bt150,000 and a certificate. Runners up get Bt60,000 each and a certificate.

For more information, call (02) 680 1073 and (02) 680 1113.