AS THAIS continue to mourn the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and this Monday marks his birthday and also Father’s Day, department stores across Bangkok are organising special events for the long weekend.
For art enthusiasts, the Emporium and the EmQuartier Shopping Complex, in collaboration with Silapasri Arts and Three D Lands, are holding the “Forever in Our Hearts, Forever Our King” art exhibition.
The exhibition, which will be open until December 5, includes 20 paintings and 20 sculptures created by five National Artists, including Chakrabhand Posayakrit, Pratuang Emjaroen, Pichai Nirand, Thongchai Rakpathum and Nonthiwat Chantanapalin. The work of other respected artists, such as Somsak Mongkolwong, Alongkorn Lauwatthana, Suwat Wanmanee, Chusit Wijarnjoragij, Dinhin Rakpong-Asoke, Netikorn Chinyo, Palut Marod, Watchara Prayoonkum, Manop Suwanpinta, Noppadon Viroonchatapun, and more, will also be on display.
Chusit, a representative of Silapasri Arts, said that artists want to show their faith, love, and respect for the late King. Chusit’s paintings use an old masters technique, which he said took him two years to complete.
When selecting Their Majesties’ portrait for painting, Chusit said he considered appropriateness and reality.
“I learned from my master Chakrabhand Posayakrit that I should find the real clothes so that I could see the true light, shadows and dimensions which reflect the clothes, that I would not be able to get from old pictures. His Majesty gave me great inspiration from his teachings, determination and perseverance so that I could do the best I can. I love these works and treasure them very much,” he said.
M.L. Panadda Diskul, the Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, attended the opening along with other honourable guests. Music was provided by Vie Trio, the internationally known crossover band, performing HM the King’s musical composition “Pan Din Khong Rao” or “Our Land”.
Another highlight was the 3D mapping projection on the fa็ade of the department store of “Pra-Pu-Pen-Tee-Rak” showing His Majesty’s 70-year royal duties through the artist’s perspective.
The film was accompanied by “Nai Luang Khong Phendin” and The Star singers encouraged the audiences to sing along to pay tribute to HM the King, which created a remarkabe chorus at the BTS Phrom Phong concourse.
The “Forever in Our Hearts, Forever Our King” art exhibition, is sponsored by Government Savings Bank, Singha Corporation, Thai Life Insurance Plc, Thai Airways International Plc, and the Mahajak Development ltd.
Part of the revenue from the exhibition will go to the Anandamahidol Foundation.
In another event at the same venue, the Kitarat Foundation is holding “Kitarat, The Royal Music Legacy” musical exhibition to pay tribute to the musical talents of His Majesty the King. A wide range of activities will be held led by Assistant Professor Dr Pathorn Srikanon, a member of Au Sau Wan Suk Royal Musical Band. A musical instruments given by His Majesty to the members of the Au Sau Wan Suk band will be on display for the first time, as well as unpublished music scores that His Majesty had worked on with Pathorn.
Some discussion shows include Au Sau Wan Suk Talk, New Orleans Jazz Talk, and Stories from the Royal Given Musical Instruments Talk. As well, there is a “Royal Music Classroom” where interested musicians can learn how to play the musical compositions of His Majesty correctly with Pathorn’s team. The music exhibition will be open until December 19.