Art Scene in Bangkok

Thailand’s contemporary arts scene has expanded steadily since the turn of the millennium with new commercial galleries regularly appearing across the Thai capital. Strong Buddhist influences exist even today. While today’s generation of artists are more personal and reflective in the art they produce, there remains an undeniable drive toward a more spiritual, and ostensibly Buddhist, path. Colourful Thai Art includes beautiful Thai classical dance and music, Thai traditional costume, architecture, Buddhism, all of which can be widely seen everywhere in Thailand.

 

The icons and imagery of Thai culture are exotic and unique. Although Thai art has a definite Indian influence, the predominance of Buddhism is its largest influence. Paintings in the classic Thai style are often most well-known as murals inside the Buddhist Temples and palaces dotted around the country. The themes of these art-works are closely related to Buddhism and the life of the Buddha. These paintings serve to educate and signify the importance of the places of worship. Thais are skilled, or at least enthusiastic artists, and many can be found selling their wares at night markets or shops near tourist areas, such as Patong in Phuket.

 

Thai theatre is a fine mix of music, dance and acting. Thais have always been creative people and their creativity has found expression in arts like music and dance. They retain deeply-rooted cultural connections with two great Asian civilisations - China and India and their achievements in the field of performing arts are spectacular. The dancing techniques have their origins in India, but have been changed and developed into a slower, more classically Thai style. The most famous Thai theatre is known as ‘Khon’, where performers wear masks and move in rhythmic, puppet-like ways.

 

Thai traditional dance is one of the truly graceful aspects of the country and is quite symbolic of the Thai character itself. To see these beautifully costumed ladies and men patiently miming the ancient stories, which were originally developed and performed as entertainment for the royal court, is a treat that makes even modern audiences feel privileged.

 

Thailand has long enjoyed a fabulous reputation for its handicrafts. With hard work, intricate skill and generations of knowledge, the people of Thailand are able to produce intricate and stunning objects that now find their homes throughout the world. There are various different categories of crafts within the country. Thai silk and cotton is known throughout the world for its price and quality. Originating in Northern Thailand, where cloth weaving is a traditional art, the silk and cotton is transformed for a range of different uses. Wicker-work is another well-known and popular form of handicraft. Pottery and ceramics in Thailand have a long and varied history. Influenced by the Chinese, Thai pottery gradually established its own style and is produced in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Lacquer ware is an ancient oriental craft that is alive and well in Thailand too. Generally, objects are produced either in gold and black, or yellow and green on a red-brown background. Lacquer ware products include boxes, trays and dolls.

 

Thais are festive people. Various festivals are held all year round. Movies, food, handicrafts, dance, still art, music, jazz. The top destination to visit would be the The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) – Centre For Thai Contemporary Art. The new Bangkok Art & Culture Center is not only a gallery and museum. It mainly promotes contemporary Thai art and culture, in the heart of Bangkok.