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By
Ninnart
Photos by In-Chan and by courtesy of Public
Relations Department,
Bangkok Bank
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| As an art lover, in my leisure
time, I usually go to art galleries. The one I
often spend time in is the National Gallery on
Chao Fa Road at the eastern end of Phra Pin Klao
Bridge near Sanam Luang Ground, where I have been
impressed by various Thai and Western art styles.
Recently, I visited a new one with a friend of
mine -- The Queen's Gallery on Ratchadamnoen Avenue
near Phan Fa Bridge. |
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The building
was once the Musical Art Centre operated by
the Bangkok Bank Foundation. At that time it
was a place for promoting Thai performing arts
and for displaying the winning paintings of
the annual Bualuang Painting Competition, which
started in 1976 by the Bangkok Bank Foundation.
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The exterior of the building
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Now let's see how the Musical
Art Centre was turned into the Queen's Gallery.
When the SUPPORT Foundation* under Her Majesty's
patronage was seeking for model paintings to
carry out its embroidery project, the Bangkok
Bank Foundation led by Mr. Chatri Sophonphanich
volunteered to arrange a painting contest (Jan.-Mar.
2001) to choose the cream of them.
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HM Queen Sirikit at the
inauguration ceremony
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| On the award presentation
day, presided over by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit,
Mr. Chatri and companions presented to Her Majesty
seven million baht towards the SUPPORT Foundation.
Greatly impressed and inspired by the exhibition,
Her Majesty gave that amount of money back as
an initiating fund for setting up an art gallery
to exhibit young artists' works of art. She mentioned
that Thai people were born with an artistic talent,
and it was her invariable wish to extensively
encourage and support their works. |
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Untitled painting by HM King
Bhumibol Adulyadej,
oil on canvas, 66x51 cm.
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| Eventually, Mr.
Chatri Sophonphanich came up with the idea of
refurbishing the Musical Art Centre, preparing
it to be a modern art gallery |
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Untitled
painting by HM King
Bhumibol Adulyadej, oil on
canvas, 44.5x59 cm.
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The place is chosen mainly because
of its ideal location -- in the historical heart
of Bangkok and close to many significant sites.
The renovation was finished early in the year
2003, making it the first art museum run by
the private sector. Its inauguration was held
on 9 August 2003 with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit
presiding.
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A painting by HRH Princess
Maha Chakri Sirindhorn titled
"Bird and Lotus", Chinese Ink, 56x38
cm.
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| The Queen's Gallery Foundation
was set up to organise fund-raising activities
to enable the gallery to fund its operations. |
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A painting by HRH Princess
Siribha Chudhabhorn, titled
"Little Mermaid",
oil on canvas, 60x40 cm.
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| For example, there was an
auction of a special painting by established artist
Thawan Duchanee and silk scarves and neckties
hand-painted by other renowned artists. |
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Untitled
painting by Thawan Duchanee,
National Artist 2001 (Painting)
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| Regarding
the venue, this five-storey building is not only
elegant but also spacious with a total area of
3,700 square metres for permanent and temporary
exhibitions and other art activities.The first
floor is the multi-purpose hall where a large
graceful portrait (4x2.6 m) of Her Majesty is
placed. |
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A painting
of HM the Queen by Mr. Saman Khlangchaturat,
a special instructor of Oil Painting
Department, SUPPORT Foundation
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This
oil painting in a radiant golden frame depicts
Queen Sirikit in the traditional Thai-Chakri costume
with a tiara and decoration.
On the second floor, works of art by young artists,
artists from the SUPPORT Foundation, as well as
winning embroidery designs are on display. |
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The
overall atmosphere of the third floor
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third floor exhibits past winning pieces of "the
Bua Luang Painting Competitions". Audiences
will see the development of Thai traditional paintings
via works shown here. The fourth floor is used
for displaying paintings and sculptures by King
Bhumibol and members of the royal family. Visitors
will find pieces by National Artists and contemporary
masters as well. And on the fifth floor, there
is a room for video service and a room for general
activities. |
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A painting by Chaloemchai
Khositphiphat,
titled "A Corner of Thai Life",
1st Prize, Traditional 1977,
Tempera on Paper, 70x120 cm.
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| Apparently,
this venue has a potential to hold exhibitions
of the works of famous international artists which
tend to draw more visitors. Besides, in front
of the building, there are situated a souvenir
shop and a comfy coffee shop. Chatting with friends
in the art atmosphere while sipping a cup of cappuccino
and having a rich piece of cake will make your
day. |
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A
painting by Wirunya Duangrat, Winner of
"the Bualuang Painting Competition"
(Embroidery Model) 2001, titled
"Descent from Tavatisma/2001"
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in case you visit places of historical importance
like Saket Temple & the Golden Mount, Ratchanatda
Temple & Loha Prasat, Mahakan Fort & the
well-preserved section of the city wall and Theptidaram
Temple that are located nearby, you are recommended
to explore the art exhibitions at the Queen's
Gallery as well. |
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A piece
of silk embroidery
by Robiah Topha
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| While
enjoying ourselves in the gallery, my friend and
I could not agree more that the place is modern
and comfortable. All the displayed pieces of art
convey meaningful stories, reflect Thai beliefs
and culture as well as disclose the talent and
inner spirit of the creators. |
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A bronze sculpture by Khien
Yimsiri, Artist of Distinction 1953
(Sculpture), titled "Comb"
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We feel grateful to Her Majesty who enabled the
establishment of this gallery. Most of all, it
is hoped that the Queen's Gallery will serve as
a milestone in the development of Thai arts
*SUPPORT is short for Supplementary Occupations
and Related Techniques, a project under the Royal
patronage of Her Majesty. Its purpose is to generate
incomes for rural people.
Opening Hours: 10.00 a.m.-07.00 p.m. daily
except Wednesdays. For more information, please
call 0 2281 5360-1. The inaugural exhibition which
includes the works of the King and royal members
will be on display until the end of December 2003.
*Special thanks to the Queen's Gallery for allowing
Thaiways to take photographs. |
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