The number of events and activities is likely to drop this October, as all eyes will be set on the royal cremation ceremony to take place at Sanam Luang at the end of the month. But while the atmosphere will be solemn and our clothes sombre, artists and venues are paying tribute to King Bhumibol, as a last goodbye to Thailand's longest-reigning monarch.
Dreamscape by Uten Mahamid. photo courtesy of Yen Akart Villa Gallery
Last year saw an outpouring of artistic homages to King Bhumibol Adulyadej's deeds and dedication to the country and people. A mere few days after his passing, students from Silpakorn University adorned the white walls of their faculty in Tha Phra with large mural paintings depicting the late King at different ages. The nearby Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center also held an exhibition, inviting artists to express their feelings for the deceased sovereign.
Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch and Aungkhana Panthongka's memorable sculpture, a replica of a famous photograph of the King looking at a boy prostrating himself at his feet, became a beacon in bleak times.
This month should see similar artistic happenings take place. The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is already holding an unprecedented exhibition of the late King's unseen photographs, but other galleries and venues are joining in.
On the 5th floor of Siam Discovery, ceramicist Nino Sarabutra's installation What We Do For Love is on display until the end of October.
The artist's work, already on show at Ardel Gallery last February, is a heart-shaped eulogy, a tribute to the King Bhumibol's kindness and generosity. In the installation, Nino Sarabutra has aligned pebble-like sculptures that mimic the long lines of people waiting in front of the Grand Palace to pay their respects to the monarch's body.
Meanwhile, a new exhibition will open on Oct 6 at YenakArt Villa Gallery by a trio of Thai and French artists: Hélène Le Chatelier, Kwanchai Lichaikul and Uten Mahamid.
This entirely white, airy space lends itself to contemplation of black-and-white paintings related to our inner landscapes and memories, fitting the collective mood and tributes to the late King Bhumibol.
