Art: Modern Art in Thailand

Thai Artists The contemporary art scene in Thailand is centred around its capital – Bangkok - although there are artists who prefer to live and work outside the mega polis. The numbers of artists are constantly on the rise, so an increasing variety of works are available on the art market. Many art galleries in Bangkok tend to sell work restricted to traditional rural motives. The artists creating this type of art are often influenced by traditional Buddhist beliefs and motives, and this art is popular among the general Thai public. Nevertheless, some Thai artists are breaking away from these norms by addressing more controversial issues in their works. Examples of these are the loss of traditional values and the obsession with money in today's society. Several of Bangkok’s Universities have prominent art schools. Silapakorn University stands out as the most reputable of them. Established at the beginning of the 19th century it drew inspiration from the Italian teacher and artist, Corrado Feroci. Feroci was invited to Thailand by the Thai Government in 1923. He eventually remained in Thailand taking on the Thai name Silpa Bhirasri. Professor Bhirasri is regarded as the one who paved the way for Thai modern art and constructed a framework for it by promoting westernisation and at the same time striving to preserve the traditional Thai arts.