French honour for Apinan
The director-general of the Department of Cultural Promotion is decorated by the French government for his contribution to the arts
For almost two decades, Professor Apinan Poshyananda, director-general of the Department of Cultural Promotion, has worked tirelessy in support of Thai arts and culture. He was among the first generation of curators who put Thailand on the map of the contemporary art world, and brought to the Kingdom valuable works by such celebrated artists as Louise Bourgeois, Robert Mapplethorpe, Marina Abramovic, Nan Goldin, Joel Peter Withkin, Pierre et Gilles, Nobuyoshi Araki and Yoshitomo Nara to name just a few. The Cornell University graduate has also penned several art books, among them "Modern Art in Thailand", "Western-style Painting and Sculpture in the Thai Royal Court" and "Behind Thai Smiles".
In 2003, he established the first Thai Pavilion at the 50th Venice Biennale, an event in which Thailand continues to participate. For his contribution, the Italian government made him Knight, Order of Solidarity in 2009. He was also bestowed Knight, First Class of the Royal Order of the Polar Star by King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden in 2003.
In 2006, Prof Apinan presided over an exhibition by 40 Thai contemporary artists at "Tout ? Fait Thai" ("Thai Culture Festival") in Paris.
Last week Apinan was honoured with another decoration - L'Officier des Arts et des Lettres (second class) by the French government, for his life-long contribution to international art and cultural activities. The ceremony took place at Thailand Cultural Centre's small hall in the presence of nearly 100 guests, among them the Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome.
Jeremy Opritesco, Counsellor for Culture, Sciences and Development of the French Embassy in Thailand, presented the medal.
"Dear Dr Apinan, France today is honoured to distinguish one of her best friends in Thailand and around the world, a great friend who is both an artist, a bridge-builder, a pioneer and a visionary," said Opritesco.
Apinan responded: "This decoration should go to all the artists and colleagues who have worked with me for so many years. Working with these artists has made me so happy and I thank my governmental partners - it's a life-long relationship. Without artists and creative friends, I could not have received this award," he said, before adding a special thank-you for his family's support.
He said that the French decoration was the most honourable award and very important to him.
"Thai culture has problems in understanding the creative economy concept. How do we make Thais understand Thai culture, both contemporary and traditional? How can we bridge the two," he concluded.
The French government also awarded the same decoration to Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul. He received the Chevalier Knight class two years ago.
To date, Her Royal Highness the late Princess Galyani Vadhana is the only Thai recipient of the Medal de Arts et des Lettres, Commander Class (first class).
Phatarawadee Phataranawik
The Nation
