Coinciding with the forthcoming International Women's Day on March 8, "Art from the Hands of Mothers" is an all-female exhibition starting next week at the Sombat Permpoon Gallery that will feature works in various forms by 15 leading women artists of Thailand, including Sriwan Janehuttakarn, Chomsai Meesomsueb, Boonying Emcharoen and Chiranan Pitpreecha, among others. Panada Lerthattasin, director of the Sombat Permpoon Gallery, talked to 'Outlook' about the remarkable exhibition.
Is this event the biggest of its kind ever held in Thailand? Have any of the female artists worked with the gallery before?
We don't know if it's the biggest gathering as that is actually not our purpose. Let's say it is one of the most meaningful exhibitions that draws a group of strong women who play outstanding roles in taking care of their families as well as contributing to their communities.
"Art from the Hands of Mothers" features paintings, sculptures, music and literature by 15 outstanding women who are at the forefront of art development in Thailand. Some are artists, while others are mothers of leading artists and writers, daughters of great talents, or wives of renowned artists.
In particular, Sombat Permpoon Gallery has collected works by Sriwan Janehuttakarn, a leading female artist in Thailand. Her unique talent lies in the use of line, colour, form and texture to communicate and convey meaning. Besides her leading role in art, she is also a generous daughter who takes good care of her mother and is a beloved teacher to her students.
Why has the gallery focused on this theme?
The theme was initiated by Hongjorn Sa-Ngamjaoren, who is a curator of the show. He is concerned with a number of problems facing Thai society, including social conflict, economics, political turmoil and youth problems. Yet he has a strong belief that women, with their huge capacity for love and care, can do a great deal to alleviate such problems. Behind every artist's success is at least one woman who gives him support. That is a great contribution to society.
Each of the 15 artists in the show has distinctive characteristics and a unique lifestyle. Chomsai Meesomsueb, for example, mother of SEA Write laureate Saksiri Meesomsueb, is a self-taught artist who started painting at the age of 70 using her son's leftover oil colours. Now 81, she still continues her artistic endeavours. Also, Boonying Emjaroen has worked side by side with Pratuang Emjaroen in promoting art while raising three children.
Besides, Sombat Permpoon Gallery is run by female owner Sombat Wattanathai, who has been the backbone of Thai art for over 30 years, and our staff are women who have served as the foundation of the gallery for over 20 years.
How do you see the role of women in the Thai art circle?
This is an area where women can make great contributions, too. The number of women in this area - female artists, administrators, curators, gallery owners and critics - is increasing steadily.
No comments:
Post a Comment