Let there be light

TALENT was high and competition fierce in the sixth edition of Asia Plus art contest, the winners of which were announced by organiser Asia Plus Group during the opening of the exhibition, “Splendid Radiant Sunlight”, at the Queen’s Gallery.

The first prize of Bt200,000 and a certificate went to Tawatchai Sarisut for his work “Light from Heaven No 2”, while Nordiana Beehing came in second place, taking home Bt150,000 and a certificate for “Light in the Memory No 2”. Sittivut Yawichai was third with Bt100,000 for “Light of Happiness No 2” and three other artists –Niroj Jarunggitvittawat (“Beginning of the Day No 1”), Sakon Malee (“Esan Way of Life Painting No 2”) and Suppawat Wibunsin (“Carcass for Beeding”) were each recognised with Bt50,000.

 “The art was of such quality in terms of combining the colours and materials to portray the environment, culture and faith that it was difficult to decide between first, second and third place. In the end, the judges decided on Tawatchai’s work even though his representation of the theme, Splendid Radiant Sunlight, was abstract. Abstract means writing about heaven, but having no idea what heaven looks like. Is there light in heaven? No one knows. However, the artist presented his ideal sunlight as brightness, elegance, whiteness and purity, using fabric as the base material to give the white on the white effect, and attaching stained glass for the colour. The work draws sunlight, the real light, as well as creating a reaction between the sunlight that lets the beauty shine out,” said Professor Preecha Thaothong.

“This is the first year we have so much white in the winning prize. Past contests seem to have focused on dark or even black works. We are delighted that colour is taking pride of place. I think many of the artists have been able to adapt to our new theme,” added Dr Kongkiat Opaswongkarn, Asia Plus Group’s chief executive. 

“One of our objectives to encourage artists to develop. I regard art as being of historical importance for our country. I want Thai people to support art and to learn about it. Once they have the knowledge, they will start collecting work, which provides support to our artists of Thailand while encouraging newcomers to develop their art.”

 This year’s Asia Plus art exhibition features 154 works, including 54 awarded and selected pieces. The opening ceremony stuck to tradition, with the judges and artists joining up to paint on a single canvas.

 Asia Plus Group is also organising a workshop to demonstrate the techniques of creating a motif-decorated light box to reflect Thailand’s unique shadow plays. The training session will be led by Prof Niroj Jarungjitwittawat, one of this year’s award winners and a lecturer attached to the department of Thai traditional painting, Poh Chang Campus, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin.

 

Here comes the sun

- The sixth Asia Plus Art Exhibition, “Splendid Radiant Sunlight”, shows at the Queen’s Gallery until July 23. It’s open daily except Wednesday from 10am to 7pm.

- The workshop will be held |on July 17 from 1 to 4pm |at the gallery.

- Find out more at www.AsiaPlus.co.th/artcontest or Facebook Asia Plus Art Contest.