Ma – Der – La!
Let’s all go to see the latest Ittiphon Phattarachon’s exhibition of Thai Pop art paintings!
Who said Thai painting was difficult to understand? You must reconsider after seeing this exhibition. Ittiphon Phattarachon, a talented Thai contemporary artist, brings local wisdom of Isan’s culture, tradition, and beliefs to reinterpret and tell tales in an entertaining style that will attract you to this show. In addition, he includes Pop art’s gimmicks with joyful and brilliant colors and basic pieces that express direct message and comedy. There is also an insertion of the abstract spirit, which lets audiences engage with the artworks emotionally rather than analyzing or searching for the meaning. Consequently, it becomes a one-of-a-kind contemporary Thai painting that embodies the artist’s individuality while still appeals to audiences of all ages.
Ma – Der – La! may sound like a western phrase, but it is actually an Isan expression that means “Come on girl!” It is widely used by adults to call children with affection. Because Ittipon’s personality has a sense of humor, he chose this phrase as the exhibition’s title. It also has a deeper connotation, which is an invitation for everyone to come and enjoy his artworks!
His amusing collection of modern Thai paintings is an extension and development of numerous themes and styles, and it clearly demonstrates the artist’s excellent ability and identity. Ittiphon was inspired to create this series after making merit at numerous local temples in Loei province and encountering the narrative of 13 chapters of Vessantara Jataka which is one of the most popular jātakas of Theravada Buddhism that tells the story of one of Buddha’s past lives. Buddha was a very compassionate and generous prince who gives away everything he owns, including his children, thereby displaying the virtue of perfect generosity. Ittipon found that these stories were depicted over and over again.
The artist was motivated to retell these stories in his own way by integrating with the notion of the natural coexistence of humans, animals, and objects, which when come together in a certain spot will result in diverse stories.
For example, Ittiphon depicts the joyous mood of the Host Party, a Loei province local tradition in which the community gathers to provide food and offerings to the host. The villagers believed that the sacred items would safeguard the town for good fortune. He also reflects on the cheerful everyday lives of the villagers, such as the mothers, grandparents, and aunts, who frequently go to various events at the temple together. There is also the usage of Isan language characters imprinted in local artwork. Ittiphon tells stories using an improvised technique in which he progressively adds aspects based on his imagination that he found enjoyable while painting on canvas.
In addition, Pop art concepts, processes, and forms such as bright colors, simple lines, basic shapes, toys, cartoon figures, water boats, and components that look unconnected but may be combined are often included in his art. His paintings feature an aura of abstract art, showcasing the beauty of lines, colors, and shapes, enabling the spectator to use emotion rather than focusing on interpreting or finding meaning to the point of losing the enjoyment of experiencing the artworks.
About the artist
Ittiphon Phattarachon (b.1979) is a modern Thai painter with a distinguished background. He continues to create art after graduating from the College of Fine Arts and Silpakorn University. He has achieved numerous significant national awards, including the first prize, gold medal of the 36th Bualuang Painting. It’s worth mentioning that this was the final year where master art professors and national artists served as judges. Professor Emeritus Chalood Nimsamer, Thawan Duchanee, Kamjorn Sunpongsri, Pratuang Emjaroen, and Professor Preecha Thaothongare were among the judges,a great indication that his works have been recognized by the great masters.
His work is influenced by people’s daily lives that feature the cohabitation of people, animals, objects, and the environment. He also depicts nature, travel, exquisite culture and customs, notably the cultures of Loei province, where he and his family have resided for many decades. The perception of such civilizations has been turned into his artworks with basic lines and forms arising from the deterioration of realism’s details without distortion to grasp just the essence. Viewers will find it wonderful that Ittiphon also employs brilliant colors and one-of-a-kind creative techniques to interact with audiences in straightforward and remarkable ways.
Venue: RCB Galleria 2, 2nd floor, River City Bangkok
Free Admission
*River City Bangkok is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with strict preventive measures against Covid-19 and limitation of visitors inside all exhibitions.
