Freedom in nature is exhibiting at the Andaman Art Museum in Krabi.
Similarly, Monthian Yangthong is currently producing on the island a range of painstaking and intricately stunningly linocut works for his solo Magic Field show. Sorry folks, the exhibition is in Bangkok.
We have a wealth of artistic residents with highly professional talents. Just take a stroll along Phang Nga Rd in Phuket Town to marvel at the diverse range of styles and quality on display in the myriad independent, artist-run galleries.
There is also The Phuket Art Club who work together as a collective in order to facilitate larger presentation spaces within which to exhibit their works. Their recent exhibition at the Novotel Phuket Phokeethra in Phuket Town was a beautiful collection, and a reminder of the sort of cultural and educational event that the island lacks.
They have been campaigning for a dedicated Phuket art gallery for many years without much luck. Dealings with local government on the issue have failed to garner sustained interest.
The benefits of having an art gallery for the province for both tourists and local community needs little explanation. With ever bigger sporting and entertainment attractions, we are severely lacking in cultural centres which educate visitors and provide support for regional talent. The government simply needs to consider and allocate a managed space, and allow the impassioned artists to deliver the rest.
A local art gallery will provide a much-needed cultural attraction that doesn’t rely on bright neon lights, or elephants that have raided the fancy dress box. The gallery could include works from guest artists from across the Kingdom, and a public space where our home-grown talent can continue to display their craftsmanship.
So come on Pakkapong Tawipat, it’s a great opportunity in your new governing role on Oct 1 to support local skills and leave a lasting legacy by backing plans for a Phuket Art Museum.
It’s a win-win.