Singaporean Daniel See, the general manager of cafe and hotel Club One Seven in Patong, was quick to point out to The Phuket News when it visited the exhibition during the last few days of the parade that – apart from two pieces in the ‘Pink’ section of the makeshift gallery – it was not a gay exhibition per se, “I don’t see it as a gay exibition, it’s just art. I like KFC, you like KFC, that’s it.”
However he did go on to say that gay people and those from the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community tended to “appreciate art in general”. Interestingly, he said that some of the more overtly ‘gay’ pieces in the exhibition, including sailors and of a naked male form with an outstretched hand, had not sold as well as the less overtly sexual landscape and scenery pieces.
There was a wide variety of art on display, including Christian icons; images of a Hill Tribe, and reproduction art. They were all made next door at the Spirit of Art gallery, owned by Adul Hosen.
Referring to the business partnership, Mr Hosen said, “This is the first time we have done this. It’s all with local artists, many of whom have never had the chance to show their work [in public].”
Daniel added that although they were both approached to do something for the festival, it was their idea to join forces.
“The Pride Festival wanted us to have a cocktail reception, because they wanted every gay business in Patong to get involved, but I wanted to do something different and more interesting, so I talked with Adul and we did a combined event.”
“We’re maybe going to have themed nights and so on, and perhaps combine them with different festivals that are happening at the time,” said Adul.
Daniel sees the location of Club One Seven as critical to its future success – Pracanukroh Road in Patong is home to many art studios and handicraft stores, containing the work of very talented local artists and craftsman.
For the pair, this is the first art exhibition, but it most certainly won’t be the last.