Toot Yung Art Centre presents "Reckless", an exhibition by Tawan Wattuya who portrays his views of a decaying society through watercolour paintings from Saturday until Sept 22.
Hailed as one of Thailand's most unique and engaged painters, Tawan's acute perceptiveness of global contemporary society infuses his work with a latent brutality exquisitely balanced with his masterful watercolour technique on soft bamboo paper.
On display will be a selection of 20 paintings produced over the past five years that reflect his vision of a world losing track of its ethics, morality and aspirations. Some of his work shows women being sold in a meat market, wrecked cars, and guns and bombs -- underlined with dark humour.
In other works, the composition of floating objects, animals and people placed in rows evokes a sense of primitive social order, alluding to an obligation to adapt and comply, dictated by oppressive governments and a globalised social order.
Best known for his distinctive approach to watercolour and thought-provoking subjects, Tawan's choice of medium is a clear attempt to convey the speed and dynamism he perceives in contemporary Thai society. His paintings are always poetic, personal yet provocative in their critical engagement with current issues.
The opening reception is this Saturday at 5pm. Toot Yung Art Centre is located in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, and is open daily, 9am-6pm.
Call 084-914-5499.
