The art exhibition “ARK-T”, or “Art Road Korean Thai”, is a beautiful example of how art can bring people together and bridge cultural divides. Organized by River City Bangkok and 608 Gallery, the exhibition features the works of 15 talented Korean and Thai artists who have come together to create a unique and thought-provoking showcase.
| Artist | Country | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Yoo Jae-youn | Korea | Pop art |
| Lee Taxoo | Korea | Ceramic art |
| Manwook | Korea | Modern art |
| Lamunlamai | Thailand | Porcelain sculpture |
One of the key artists featured in the exhibition is Yoo Jae-youn, a Korean artist known for her vibrant and authentic portrayal of Korean people’s features and characteristics. Her Breaktime series showcases Kim, a common last name in Korea, as an urban resident who wants some alone time, but his busy life does not allow it. Yoo’s work stands out for its bold colors and genuine depiction of Korean culture. In contrast, Lee Taxoo, a Korean ceramicist, explores the relationship between tradition and innovation in his contemporary ceramic art. His Re-Born Series displays a stunning collection of ceramics that Lee worked on in Jingdezhen, China, where he repurposes broken bottoms of ancient Chinese bowls into new creations. Lee’s work highlights the importance of reusing and recycling materials, and the attention to detail that goes into creating each piece. Manwook, a Korean artist, also explores the relationship between humans and non-human species in his work. His paintings depict machines as companions and warm beings, rather than cold steel machines. The curator comments that Manwook is a kind person and some of his paintings were inspired by his own dogs. Another artist featured in the exhibition is Nol Netprom and Mai Nopkamon, a Thai duo who run the renowned craft studio Lamunlamai. At “ARK-T”, the duo experimented with their first sculpture collection in the shape of an egg, which they titled “The Lifetime Colossal Egg”. The collection also features a range of sculptures of different sizes that can be stacked like a Matryoshka Doll, called “The Lifetime Egg Sculpture”. The duo’s work is not only visually stunning but also reflects their commitment to sustainable craftsmanship and material experimentation. They explained that the collection is called “lifetime” because it depicts their journey for over a decade, representing their rebirth and persistence. In addition to the sculptures, the duo also created a tableware collection called “Journey Plate”, which is displayed on the wall. Each plate portrays food, dessert, and liquor, and is a representation of their journey in each period of time. The exhibition also features the charming pink character Sandier, created by Sittichai Yodchompoo. Sandier gained recognition from the public when Sittichai created him as Santa Claus in a collaborative campaign with Central Department Store last year. Sandier appears in pink because it is Sittichai’s and his mother’s favorite color, and features texture of sand which represents his family business. Sittichai created three paintings for “ARK-T”, which illustrate his journey as an artist. The first painting, “The Hidden Self Within Us”, showcases Sittichai’s growth and development as an artist. The second painting, “The Gift Of A Traveler”, depicts Sandier on his journey and how he handles difficulties. The third painting, “The Destination Of Hope”, portrays how Sandier eventually meets his fellow artists whom he can share his dreams and struggles with. Another artist featured in the exhibition is Sirichai Noree, also known as Ponoree, who is passionate about drawing cartoons through simple lines. His paintings, such as “The Solitude Traveler”, “The Three Companions”, and “The Seven Companions”, showcase his unique style and attention to detail. Lastly, Witchuta Limpanwat, aka Palim, is an illustrator, a cactus gardener, and canto poet. Her paintings, which are inspired by her childhood memories of the sea, beaches, and kites, reflect the exhibition concept of the journey of her return to her hometown Trat. Overall, the art exhibition “ARK-T” is a testament to the power of art to bring people together and bridge cultural divides. By showcasing the works of 15 talented Korean and Thai artists, the exhibition provides a unique opportunity for audiences to explore and appreciate the diversity and richness of Korean and Thai art.
