A decade of Silpathorn

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Silpathorn Awards, which are given by Culture Ministry’s Office of Contemporary Art and Culture to mid-career artists actively working in various fields of contemporary arts. So far, 52 artists have been honoured.
Speaking at the press conference for “Silpathorn: A Decade of Success in Thai Contemporary Art” last Thursday at the National Theatre, OCAC director Khemchat Thepchai noted that the Silpathorn Awards have been one of his office’s major tasks since its inception and that some Silpathorn artists, such as painter Chalermchai Kositpipat and writer Chart Korbjitti, have gone on to be named National Artists.
“We’re delighted that both of them will participate in this special event. Not only will the works of all 52 Silpathorn artists be on display at the newly renovated and OCAC-operated Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre, but many Silpathorn artists will share their knowledge and insights with young artists and general public through workshops, lectures and talks.
“We’re also supporting the creation of seven new performances in which Silpathorn artists from different fields are working together and we’ve selected Pichet Klunchun, the 2006 recipient of the Silpathorn Award in performing art, as the artistic director.”
Pichet compares the way in which today’s contemporary artists work across fields to how a smartphone functions in our daily lives.
“Phones are not for making and receiving calls anymore. We use them as cameras, alarm clocks, notepads, and so on. And so I think it’s natural for artists to work with their counterparts in other fields and not necessarily only in the arts. For the audience, it’s like a fringe benefits given by a visionary government agency like OCAC. It’s also a bonus as audiences can appreciate many fields of arts all in one venue. For example, music lovers can broaden their tastes and start attending dance and theatre.”
The seven new works Pichet is curating are being developed by his six performing-arts Silpathorn compatriots – Pradit Prasartthong, Manop Meejamrat, Nimit Pipithkul, Janaprakal Chandruang, Sineenadh Keitprapai and Nikorn Sae Tang. He is assuming responsibility for the seventh himself.
In “Krao Nai”, the Pichet Klunchun Dance Company will go into battle with the Fong Naam Ensemble, led by Silpathorn composer Bruce Gaston.
“We’re exploring the spirit of Thainess, focusing on the special moments in performing arts when something impromptu happens and then develops further, evolving into a new seed of knowledge for the artists while rewarding the audience with a new impression,” he says.
Pradit and his Anatta Theatre will stage “Mangkon Salat Kret”, which is inspired by Silpathorn filmmaker Thunska Pansittivorakul’s “The Terrorists”.
“The film talks about the issue of otherness and I reset it in the old days when there were conflicts between Thai and Chinese communities. It will be presented in the style of lakhon rong, featuring Thai songs with Chinese tones.”
Nimit and his Semathai Puppet Theatre are adapting the late Supreme Patriarch’s “Chitta Nakhon” into a puppet show, with classical music by Silpathorn composer Narong Prangcharoen.
Nimit says, “What happens in ‘Chitta Nakhon’ is actually reflected in society and this work is for audiences of all ages. Narong has warned me that his music may be a little too intense, but I think its complexity fits the play perfectly.”
Nikorn and his 8X8 Theatre, meanwhile, are adapting Silpathorn writer and National Artist Win Leowarin’s “Mangkon Zen” into a play titled “Nithan Zen”.
“I’ve read many of Win’s works and this is the one I thought would be impossible to adapt for stage. Win is being kind and open-minded enough to let me do what I want with it. This work fits right into the current atmosphere of our country. We should learn how to debate in such a way as to come peacefully to a mutual understanding.”
Other works include Janaprakal’s “The Ocean” in which Win, Pichet and Bruce are responding to Janaprakal's adaptation of Buddhist teachings, “Manop’s “The Last of Love”, an adaptation of “Phra Aphaimani” in collaboration with ceramics artist Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch; and Sineenadh’s exploration of gender issues in “Shadow-Body”, featuring art works by Pinaree Sanpitak.
Pradit notes that “In any kind of collaboration, artists’ egos clash and all have to be as open-minded as possible.”
As for the future, Nikorn has one suggestion, “Maybe artists from different fields can receive support to spend time together ‘in residence’ and create totally new works.”
Another related programme is the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra’s concert at the National Theatre on March 22, featuring compositions by such Silpathorn artists as Nat Yontararak and Narongrit Dhamabutra.

COMING SOON
“Silpathorn: A Decade of Success in Thai Contemporary Art” runs from March 5 to 30 at the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre, close to the Democracy Monument.
The performances and workshops start on March 14.
Admission is free. Call (02) 422 8828-9 or check Facebook.com/ocac.artandculture.