Be Taken To The Marvel Masterpieces From International Acclaimed Thai Artists For Free at G111 Gallery!

While the situation these days with COVID-19 and the wait for the arrival of a viable vaccine, traveling remains inconvenient because we all have to join forces in keeping a safe physical distance from one another as required by the public sector’s preventative measures. As a result, art festivals and various galleries in Thailand, let alone those abroad, are extremely less frequented. And this is perhaps a very good reason why many travel enthusiasts and art lovers may feel blue.

But there is no need to be disheartened any longer … Today we introduce you to a new gallery in the heart of beautiful Charoenkrung known as “G111 Gallery Antiques & Collectibles” located on the 4th floor of River City Bangkok, Soi Charoenkrung 24. This cornucopia of art brings together pieces from a multitude of national artists and also internationally recognized Thai artists.

When talking about River City Bangkok, we will think about its role as a trendy shopping plaza where priceless art and collectibles of Asia attract collectors and admirers from every part of the world. Imagine how much more appealing River City Bangkok is now that it has joined hands with Siam Renaissance Publishing, a leading provider of content pertaining to history, art and collectibles with more than a decade of experience that is also the sole owner of rare and invaluable photographs and collector’s items, especially ones of artistic nature, that realizes the amazing levels of benefit to be had by all by bringing these pieces out of decades of privacy and making them available for display to the public.

Surrounded by Thai and Chinese furniture dated over a century that has been transported from Villa Musée in Khao Yai along with the book corner contained with the published works from Siam Renaissance Publishing, every corner inside the gallery is brimming with the handiwork of national artists and Thai artists who have made a name for themselves all around the world. All this is within your reach to see and experience here, and only here, free of charge!

One of the incredible works you must see is by Chalerm Nakiraks (เฉลิม นาคีรักษ์), a National Artist of Thailand whose works depicted Thai culture and traditions.

Taking for instance his painting that portrays a “Khao Pansa” or Buddhist Lent wax candle procession or his painting of women threading silk on spools while a group of men play bamboo flutes, both of which convey the unique beauty of Thainess through art. This artist’s work also includes landscape paintings of various locations. In addition to some of his exquisite oil paintings, the galley also has on display the artist’s watercolor creation that was chosen to grace the cover of the Poh-Chang Alumni Association’s booklet marking the occasion of the day of celebration of the works of Chalerm Nakiraks.

The next celebrated artist is Pichai Nirand (พิชัย นิรันต์), named National Artist in Visual Arts (Painting) for 2546 in the Buddhist Era (2003 AD). One of the most influential figures in contemporary painting in Thailand, Pichai has had his work displayed both domestically and internationally, thus affording him great renown. He was also granted the opportunity to provide artwork for The Story of Mahajanaka penned by His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Most of this artist’s work is inspired by Buddhist teachings and strengthened by the spirit of an artist who not only creates art but also educates youth.

Pichai Nirand’s art pieces are a reflection of the truth according to Buddhist principles which he shares by painting lotus flowers. A painting of a lotus growth in the mud, a bud, and a completely blooming lotus flower offers deep meaning and sustaining emotional support as relayed in the belief that religion, nature and art are the birthplace of spiritual beauty.

And then there is Kamol Tassananchalee who was dubbed National Artist for B.E. 2540 (1997 AD) in Visual Arts (Printmaking and Mixed Media) and held the position of chairman of the Thai Art Council, USA. Kamol is yet another artist who has been able to build a reputation unlike any other in the western hemisphere.

Kamol Tassananchalee is one the few Thai artists who received a scholarship to travel to the US to study art and also ended up becoming quite successful. He is widely recognized abroad to the extent that he is hailed as the “artist of two worlds” with his masterpiece “Buddha’s Footprint” being mentioned in Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, a popular American study tool for those wishing to learn about the history of art. At the current moment, this artist is the only Thai artist to have received such an honor.
Disparaging Art
“Any man who dares disparage or insult art
Knows nothing of what it is to be civilized
Much like a monkey or tiger in the forest
Soulless and barbaric
Only capable of existing
And harming all others
Nothing of excellence If such a man is born again
May he be banned from human form
May he be born a reptile, a snake
The form of a lowly being
Whose face drags upon the ground eating its waste
Forever tormented and suffering.”

by Angkarn Kalayanapong
(Please note that this is a translation based solely on the meaning of the Thai poem.)
Many know Angkarn Kalayanapong (อังคาร กัลยาณพงศ์) as the National Artist for B.E. 2532 (1989 AD) in Literature (Poetry). This famous poet studied the works of ancient poets to uncover the true core of beauty both in terms of elegance and thought. Angkarn also lovingly rendered marvelous pieces in the form of pen and black crayon sketches, with truly distinctive strokes displaying artistic emotion, feeling, imagination and magnificence.

Another prominent artist is the National Artist for B.E. 2552 (2009 AD) in Visual Arts Professor Preecha Thaothong (ปรีชา เถาทอง) whose work is appreciated for its outstanding shapes, designs, materials, shadows and light. He draws inspiration from nature and has discovered that shadow and light as well as Thai culture are features that can be transformed into art. Prof. Preecha enjoys crafting art that shares the culture and history of Thailand and conveys deeper meaning. His work is interspersed in the collection on display at G111 Gallery which is waiting for you to visit so that you can immerse yourself in the forces of imagination.

The aforementioned artists and their works of art are not all you will find at G111 Gallery Antiques & Collectibles. There is also an array of fabulous sculptures such as the celebrated “Khi Maa Song Muang” by renowned Khien Yimsiri (เขียน ยิ้มศิริ) who was exalted with the coveted status of Artist of Distinction for B.E. 2496 (1953 AD) in Sculpture. The majority of Khien Yamsiri’s art pieces are customary Thai ones based in Idealism whose allure is in their soft lines.

Then there is the name Rearngsak Boonyavanishkul (เริงศักดิ์ บุณยวาณิชย์กุล) which is among only a handful of names that are known beyond the Thai art scene. This artist who discovered he liked drawing since he was only 7 and took the skill up seriously at the age of 15 is also famous in Singapore and highly regarded for his sculptures of the Idealism genre such as his extremely well-known “The Hero”, a breathtaking horse made even more elegant with a headdress that, though one may find imposing, seems to be engaged in a struggle of some sort similar to how man struggles to find meaning in life.

The artist combines a unique Thai element with Idealism through his inclusion of a Thai headdress for the horse while Thai designs appear on the horse’s skin in a clear display of the artist’s devotion to intricate craftsmanship. The seven features of “long donkey-like ears, rooster-like legs, canine-like testicles, a tail like that of a Siamese fighting fish, brilliant shining skin, silvery green coloring, and stallion stature” are quite indicative of the piece’s distinction. This work is a true reflection of humanity and Thainess.

Other than sculpting, Rearngsak Boonyavanishkul continues on with his childhood passion of drawing. His ability is followed by influential businessmen in Singapore and Indonesia who show their support by gifting other businessmen with Rearngsak’s art, so much so that he has gained much fame throughout the ASEAN region and the world.

And we close things off with one other admirable work of sculpture which is a collection of busts made in the likeness of His Majesty the Great King Rama IX by Pat Boonyarungka (ปัทม์บุญยรังค). Known as “The Caster”, he has taken foreign techniques and methods and integrated them with the Siamese heritage of concepts and knowledge to render one-of-a-kind masterpieces including his “Churning of the Cosmic Ocean’ sculpture at Suvannabhumi Airport with which we are all familiar and his “Golden Elephant” which is the official symbol of Nakhon Nayok Province.

The Thai artists are a source of great pride for the Thai people with their imaginative creations and ability to purge the human soul through art and sculptures that have become famous and also embody the ideals and values of society. Many artists themselves have garnered much acclaim and gained international recognition. Inside G111 Gallery there are also the works of other well-known artists not mentioned in this article such as Hatai Bunnag (หทัย บุนนาค), Sompop Budtarad (สมภพ บุตรราช), Chatchawan Rodklongtan (ชัชวาล รอดคลองตัน) , Warawoot Chusangthong (วราวุธ ชูแสงทอง), Piriya Krairiksh (พิริยะ ไกรฤกษ์), Niran Kraisoraratna (นิรันดร์ ไกรสรรัตน์), Suchart Wongtong (สุชาติ วงษ์ทอง), Sa-ngad Pui-ock (สงัด ปุยอ๊อก) and Somyot Kumsang (สมยศ คำแสง).

Over 30 paintings and an array of sculptures that have been arranged to create a homey kind of feel are what makes this gallery’s exhibition worth the visit. The establishment is always happy to welcome all who are interested in studying or admiring the masterpieces of artists famous in Thailand and abroad. A visit to G111 Gallery’s warm and friendly ambience is free of charge any day of the week except on Mondays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at Room 411 on the 4th floor of River City Bangkok on Soi Charoen Krung 24. For more information just call 063-244-1555 or go to the gallery’s Facebook page at G111 Gallery Antiques & Collectibles.