Creative Defiance
Despite decades of political upheaval, Thai art has transformed into a globally recognised force
Similar to the long struggle in Thai democracy, modern and contemporary Thai art faced many turning points. Like broken shards that reflect socio-political events through eight decades, the story of Thai art is full of contradiction, irony and fallacy. Despite attempts to package its development into neat chronology and styles to comply with national identity, Thai art reflects schism and a desire to break with conformity and status quo.
The National Exhibition of Art founded by Silpa Bhirasri in 1949 was the beginning of modern Thai art. Students from Silpakorn University received recognition by serving under the dictatorship of Phibun Songkhram to build monuments and art that served nation-building schemes.
Creative Defiance
Despite decades of political upheaval, Thai art has transformed into a globally recognised force
Similar to the long struggle in Thai democracy, modern and contemporary Thai art faced many turning points. Like broken shards that reflect socio-political events through eight decades, the story of Thai art is full of contradiction, irony and fallacy. Despite attempts to package its development into neat chronology and styles to comply with national identity, Thai art reflects schism and a desire to break with conformity and status quo.
The National Exhibition of Art founded by Silpa Bhirasri in 1949 was the beginning of modern Thai art. Students from Silpakorn University received recognition by serving under the dictatorship of Phibun Songkhram to build monuments and art that served nation-building schemes.
