All in the artist family

THAILAND’S FAMILY of artists, the Jumsais, join with celebrated Chinese artists Li Yugang and Xueyi Fan for “Rencontre”, an exhibition opening on Saturday at the XYZ Gallery in Beijing’s 798 Art Centre.
On display will be vivid abstract paintings by the respected architect Sumet Jumsai na Ayudhya, his daughter Maymay’s contemporary paintings and his son Prisdha’s architectural designs. Sumet’s wife Suthini is curating the show, which is the first exhibition by the Jumsais in China and follows their “3” showcase, which was held in Bangkok 18 years ago.
The Jumsai family trace their roots to 19th century Siam, in the reign of Rama IV, King Mongkut. Prince Choomsai, son of Rama III, later named Prince Krom Khun Rajsihavikrom, was the first of the Choomsai family. This was an era of accelerated modernisation for the Kingdom and the Prince was in the forefront as an architect and engineer.
The paintings of Sumet emphasise line and shape through delineated motifs against colourful backgrounds.
Maymay’s luscious prints of thickened paint and gloss sit atop a transparent surface that reveals the wooden support of her innovative painting practice.
And Prisdha’s bold approach to architectural design is highlighted in his plans for the New Art Museum (NAM), yet to be built in Bangkok, where grand, colourful and irregular shapes were inspired by Picasso’s 1915 painting “Harlequin”.
 ENCOUNTER
IN BEIJING
- “Rencontre” runs from Saturday until June 17 at the XYZ Gallery in Beijing’s 798 Art Centre.
- For more details, check www.XYZArtGallery.com.