Bangkok National Gallery’s 200-year Thai art history exhibition

The National Gallery in Bangkok invites you to, 200 Years Journey Through Thai Modern Art History, a spectacular exhibition running until August 31.

This exhibition, held in collaboration with the Art Auction Centre, offers a rare opportunity to explore over two centuries of Thai art history. From the traditional works of Khrua In Khong, who flourished during the reigns of Kings Rama III and IV, to contemporary masterpieces, this exhibition is a feast for the eyes and the soul.

On display are more than 100 rare and significant artworks, curated from the private collection of Kornkamol and Piriya Vachajitpan. Piriya, the visionary behind the Art Auction Centre, envisioned it as a public art museum where both seasoned art lovers and curious novices can admire works by master artists and emerging talents alike.

Visitors can journey through the evolution of Thai art, starting with Siamese art from the colonial era and progressing to the dawn of modern Thai art. The exhibition features paintings and sculptures by some of Thailand’s most revered artists.

Among the highlights is a Western-style landscape painting by Khrua In Khong, a Buddhist monk who masterfully blended traditional Thai art forms of the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms. Also on display is the iconic Narai Bantomsin, a 1934 painting of reclining Vishnu by Phra Dheva Bhinimmit (Chine Tiemsilpachai), a royal court artist who served during the reigns of Kings Rama V to Rama VII.

Other standout pieces include Siamese Cupid by the renowned Italian painter Galileo Chini; Girl With The Red Book, an oil painting by Misiem Yipintsoi, Thailand’s first distinguished female artist; Despair Eclipse Of Intellect, a massive oil on canvas by Thawan Duchanee; and Phra Sang Thong And Nang Rojana, a 1982 oil on canvas by Chakrabhand Posayakrit, reported Bangkok Post.

The National Gallery is located on Chao Fa Road and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm. Admission is 30 baht for Thai nationals and 200 baht for foreign visitors.