Central: The Original Store, in collaboration with Bangkok Design Week, is hosting a creative art exhibition showcasing the wisdom of leading contemporary Thai artists, open for viewing from February 5 to 25, 2022.

This event is a significant venue for the Bangkok Design Festival. This year, Central: The Original Store, a new cultural hub located at the original retail site of the Central Group on Charoen Krung Road, is participating in Bangkok Design Week 2022 for the first time. It aims to connect the culture and spirit of the historic Charoen Krung area with the contemporary context, transforming it into a space of ideas and inspiration for all generations. The exhibition features artworks reflecting the lifestyle, culture, and local wisdom, as well as emotional expressions rich in meaning and artistic beauty from leading contemporary Thai artists, from February 5 to 25, 2022, at the exhibition and activity spaces on the 3rd and 4th floors of Central: The Original Store.

The 3rd floor features a solo exhibition by Wiphu Suthanok, showcasing the highlight artwork 'Pha Khao Ma', a traditional Thai fabric, which has been reinterpreted from its original form. The artist has applied abstract painting techniques to enhance the value of Thai Pha Khao Ma, making it contemporary while preserving its connection to Thai culture. The artist draws parallels between their work and that of Piet Mondrian, the famous Dutch artist known for his square compositions and primary colors, highlighting the structural similarities with the checkerboard pattern of Thai Pha Khao Ma. This connection serves as a starting point for merging local wisdom with abstract art.

Additionally, there will be special activities on February 5, 2022, at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, allowing attendees to listen to a lecture on the concept of integrating traditional folk art into contemporary abstract forms harmoniously, presented by Wiphu Suthanok, along with a demonstration of weaving Pha Khao Ma using a traditional loom by local weaver Mrs. Somsri Srikul.

On the 4th floor, visitors can explore a group exhibition featuring four contemporary Thai artists and emerging talents: Sitthiwut Yawichai, Jenwitt Chaisai, Raveepol Pradit, and Wanichrojan Phoharong. Each artist presents their unique interpretation and perspective, showcasing their individual artistic spirits through diverse techniques and concepts, reflecting their emotions and experiences in the art world, inviting viewers to discover the meanings and spirits embedded in each piece.

The exhibition begins with contemporary stained glass art in the Impressionist style by Sitthiwut Yawichai, featuring stained glass on plywood that reflects his identity by merging the intricacies of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary techniques, showcased in works titled “Shiny Sea” and “Wild Points.” Next, Jenwitt Chaisai presents abstract paintings based on feelings, using acrylic on canvas, embodying the spirit of freedom, believing that the aesthetic in art represents liberation, with works titled “Abstract No. 1” and “Abstract No. 2.” Following that, Raveepol Pradit showcases mixed media art created through paper collage techniques and various artistic methods to narrate the journey of history and culture in his works titled “Illusion” and “Appearance.” Lastly, Wanichrojan Phoharong presents oil paintings on canvas rich in color and thought-provoking meanings, employing Cubism to completely transform traditional artistic structures, aiming to connect thought and vision through works titled “เศรษฐีนี” and “แม่เลี้ยง.”

Art lovers are invited to experience these artworks conveyed through various perspectives by leading contemporary Thai artists from February 5 to 25, 2022, at the exhibition and activity spaces on the 3rd and 4th floors of Central: The Original Store, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free throughout the event, and strict adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures will be observed to ensure safety during the visit.