| EXHIBITION |
Group
Face to Face: A Recollection Through Portraits from MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum
Ampannee Satoh, Angkrit ajchariyasophon, Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, Busui Ajaw, Chatchai Puipia, Jehabdulloh Jehsorhoh, Kamin Lertchaiprasert, Manit Sriwanichpoom, Michael Shaowanasai, Natee Utarit, Navin Rawanchaikul, Niti Wattuya, Prasong Luemuang, Tae Parvit, Thawan Duchanee, Shane Bunnag, Vasan Sitthiket, Wanlop Hansunthai
Face to Face: A Recollection Through Portraits from MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum
Exhibition Opening: 18th June, 2022 | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Exhibition period:18th June - 30th September, 2022
At MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Artists
Ampannee Satoh, Angkrit ajchariyasophon, Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, Busui Ajaw, Chatchai Puipia, Jehabdulloh Jehsorhoh, Kamin Lertchaiprasert, Manit Sriwanichpoom, Michael Shaowanasai, Natee Utarit, Navin Rawanchaikul, Niti Wattuya, Prasong Luemuang, Tae Parvit, Thawan Duchanee, Shane Bunnag, Vasan Sitthiket, Wanlop Hansunthai
MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum proudly presents Face to Face: A Recollection Through Portraits from MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, a gathering of works from the museum’s private collection, ranging from paintings, sculptures, printmaking, photographs, video art, and installations from 18 Thai artists.
The portrait, or the likeness of an individual’s face, is a form of art that has existed since ancient times, and still enjoys considerable popularity even to this day, to record the features of a person at various points of time. Concurrently, it is also considered a symbol of power, importance, veneration, taste, and wealth. On the other hand, the portrait is also an educational step in the development and practice of various artists, as much a reflection of likeness as their skills and world-view. As such, the portrait is not merely a recreation of the subject, but also a memento of the emotions both painter and painted simultaneously felt.
This exhibition offers “portraits” that differ in various ways, categorized into three parts: faces that express a feeling of peace, such as those that show subjects with down-turned eyes typically found in philosophical or religious imagery. The second part consists of the artists’ self-portraits and those created by other artists. These works act as a sort of autobiography, or another artist’s tribute to a fellow colleague. At the same time, the use of themselves as the subject of these works is meant to convey their perspectives and commentary on socio-political issues such as identity, gender, and more. The final section includes portraits of women, a reflection of womanhood within the confines of cultural and social norms.
Several works within this collection date back over 30 years, when collector and museum co-founder Mr. Jean-Michel Beurdeley began collecting works from contemporary Thai artists. As such, these works hold great sentimental value to Mr. Beurdeley, inspiring him to support the new generations of Thai artists, resulting in the collection as it is today. A viewing of this exhibition might invoke feelings of personal nostalgia as the faces of people you’ve forgotten are rendered in a multitude of styles, some stark and clear, others faded with time.
Installation View
