Art for a worthy cause

TANACHIRA GROUP, importer of international fashion and lifestyle brands including Pandora, Marimekko, and Jonathan Adler and the manufacturer of Tilda jewellery, recently celebrated its sixth anniversary with a charity art exhibition and auction to raise funds for the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation.
Artists Somnuek Klangnok, Ploy Chariyaves, Prabda Yoon, Wisut Ponnimit, Rapi Rikulsurakan, Kanchala Navanugraha, Pratchaya Mahapauraya and Chanaradee Chatrakul Na Ayudhya donated specially commissioned works to this worthy cause and were on hand to meet and greet the public at the opening of the show. 
“As we mark six years in business, we want to give back to society. Personally, like to support emerging artists. Each of the artists has created art pieces inspired by the brands under Tanachira,” said chief executive Tanapong Chirapanidchakul, 
“The net proceeds will go to the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation to help breast cancer patients. Nowadays, breast cancer is a major concern among women in Thailand, and Tanachira would like to play a part in helping those patients.”
Artist Somnuek’s creation, the acrylic on canvas painting “Princess Jasmine Mari” was inspired by the traditional Thai flower decorative pattern dok prajam yam reproduced in the vivid and cheerful colours of Marimekko style. “I am happy to be part of this project to help poor women with breast cancer. We should look after the poor and needy and help each other,” he said.
Lifestyle author and artist Ploy used the Chinese brush painting technique for her “Vapaus-Freedom”, which was inspired by Marimekko’s sense of freedom as reflected through colours, forms and natural patterns. A flying bird is printed on a timeless, black-and-white pattern and named in sync with the Marimekko’s spirit in Finnish word “Vapaus” meaning “freedom”.
“As a women and someone who knows many people who have fought this disease, I am delighted to participate in the auction and help raise money for this worthy cause,” she said.
Creator of the much-loved Mamuang character, Wisut offered “Mamuang Field”, combining Marimekko’s identity, playful colours and iconic patterns in his painting.
Author, artist and film director Prabda, author, created the silkscreen “Unikko” by playing with the iconic colours of Marimekko’s Unikko pattern through lines and abstract forms. Kanchala’s “Kukkat Torilla” (“Flowers at the Market:) was inspired by the traditional way of life at Thailand’s floating markets and painted colourful goods, flowers and fruits on a boat.
“I studied in Finland and remember always feeling happy when I saw Marimekko curtains at the windows of houses when I went past as they brought brightness to the surroundings. I hope this work will bring some brightness into the lives of women with breast cancer,” she said.
Pratchaya’s digital painting “The Balcony” depicts a story of love and time and Rapi’s artwork “The Pride of a Poppy” encourages the viewer to have hope with the cheering message “never be afraid to be a poppy in a field of daffodils”.
“I feel honoured to have been invited to participate in this project and very pleased that my work will play a role in supporting the work of the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation,” he said.
Chanaradee combines basic fashion items, colours and graphic patterns with nature through two women surrounded by flowers and trees. She named her artwork “Mari and Friend”. “I’ll be very happy if my work helps patients with the disease,” she said.

Mari Marvellous 
>>The “Tanachira Art of Life” exhibition is on show until June 24 at the Atrium Zone on the first floor or CentralWorld.
>>Bids can be submitted online by June 30 via Facebook page Tanachira Card, by email to [email protected] or by calling (02) 2645081 extension 113.
>>You can also make donations at donation boxes in Pandora and Marimekko shops at CentralWorld.