Final farewell to a master

Presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the event saw both national artists and young students take turns in reading poetry while fellow artists staged live performances.

National Artists Naowarat Pongpaiboon read a mourning poem and flautist Thanis Srikliandee played sad tunes in a final goodbye to the artist who died on September 3 at the age of 74. 

“As Thawan Duchanee passed away … leave his name and masterpieces in memory forever,” Naowarat read.

Jumping out from behind the master’s powerful painting, young artists dressed in black costumes danced at the ceremony in front of his red-and-gold glided coffin. Designed by the artist himself, the coffin was decorated with flamingo flowers, carnations and roses in deep red – one of the main huge in his artwork. Reproductions of his last drawing were also displayed.

Thawan created his final work “Horse” on July 21 from his hospital bed. Drawn in magic marker and ballpoint pens, the drawing depicts a red horse with its shadow upside down in a gold outline.

“I’ve already prepared for death,” Thawan once told The Nation. “When I was 37 I built my own coffin, delicately crafted in wood, and I’m now planning my funeral. I’ve erected the buildings and a chapel to house my work and my collections. I might die – but my art has to remain.”

Thawan’s work has been selling fast since his death. Eighty-two of an edition of 100 printed reproductions and scarves are going for Bt35,000 and Bt4,999 respectively while the remaining 18 pieces will be going up for auction. Online sales through his website are also thriving with T-shirts selling Bt550 and models of Thawan in his various signature poses ranging from Bt950 to Bt1,450.

Among the mementoes at Wednesday’s cremation were a black-covered notebook with Thawan’s signature on the front and his poem “The Last Song of My Life” an excerpt from his 2004 work “Manut Tangdao” (“Alien”), and a sketch of Thawan by portraitist Suwit Jaipom reprinted alongside a poem composed by Naowarat. Mourners could also collect a coupon to complete to obtain a book about his life and work.

The Culture Ministry became involved too, producing 2,000 copies of DVD of the national artists’ life and work to give away at the cremation. The Ministry is also updating the artist’s life and work in its permanent exhibition at the Supreme Artist Hall in Pathum Thani’s Klong 5.

We might have lost a great master but his masterpieces, inspiration and goodness will continue to benefit the Thai art world forever. 

 

VIEW THE MASTERPIECES 

Rarely-seen early drawings by Thawan can be admired in the “Thai Charisma” show at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre until November 16. Call (02) 214 66308 or visit www.BACC.or.th.

The Museum of Contemporary Art has four rooms of Thawan’s work. Call (02) 953 10057 or visit www.MoCABangkok.com. 

The Department of Cultural Promotion is updating its exhibition on Thawan, on display in Supreme Artist Hall in Pathum Thani’s Klong 5. and open from 9.30 to 4 from Tuesday to Sunday. Call (02) 986 5020-4 or check Facebook.com/artist.hall.

The artist’s own Baan Dam in Nang Lae, Chiang Rai is open daily from 9 to 5. Call (053) 776 333 or visit www.ThawanDuchanee.com.