UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year Award winner Sukit Choosri talks about life as he paints it
Sukit Choosri is the first Thai artist to win the UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year Award, the bank’s flagship art programme, since the regional competition launched in 2013 across Indonesia, Malavysia, Singapore and Thailand. The work was selected as the overall winner by judges from the four participating countries: Dr Agung Hujatnika (Indonesia), Beverly Yong (Malaysia), Dr. Bridget Tracy Tan (Singapore) and Amrit Chusuwan (Thailand).
The artist emerged victorious with his artwork, ‘One Life’, which depicts a Bodhi tree shedding leaves, casting an ominous shadow on a young woman. She holds a greying lotus pod in her right hand that appears to underline the apprehension that the youth in Thailand feel about their future. At the same time, a pink hibiscus flower in full bloom tucked behind her right ear coupled with a quiet grin seem to express a modicum of optimism that things will work out after all.
Following the artist’s big win, ART REPUBLIK spoke with him about his career, his winning artwork and plans for the new year.
Could you tell us a little about your background in terms of where you trained as an artist, as well as highlights of your career so far?
I have been passionate about drawing since I was a young child. Since then, every stage of my life has revolved around art. When I was a child, I spent most of my time practicing my drawing skills by replicating pictures from magazines and billboard posters. At 15, I began to study art full time. I later enrolled into the Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts at Silpakorn University and graduated with second class honours.
What are the recurring themes in your work?
This story is from the Dec - Feb 2018 edition of ART REPUBLIK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Dec - Feb 2018 edition of ART REPUBLIK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mix Master
At The Intersection Of Optic Art, Abstract Art And Calligraphy, French Street Artist L’Atlas’ Universal Language Of Lines, Shapes And Letters Allows Him To Cross New Frontiers.
Blue Bayou
Chinese Artist Gao Xiaoyun’s Dream-Like Landscapes In Oil Give A Divergent Take On Traditional Chinese Ink Paintings.
Shadow And Light
Opera Gallery’s Exhibition ‘Shadow Of A Pine Tree’ Shows Some Of The Best Sculptural Works By Korean Contemporary Artists.
Bad And Boujee
Rain drop, drop top — yes, it is 2017 and we’re repping the Migos.
One And All
Look forward to great art and programmes at Singapore’s Spring edition of the Affordable Art Fair 2017.
Hanging In The Balance
The Contemplative Elegance Of Claire Morgan’s Installations Question The Sustainability Of The Fragile Relationship Between Man And The Environment.
Sneaker Peek
A brief look back at ‘Bazaar Art’, and what we can expect from the newly named ‘Art Jakarta’.
In Good Hands
Anne Samat’s sculptures woven from domestic materials bring attention to the art of weaving and the challenges of being a malaysian woman.
A Sense Of Purpose
ZOE BUTT AND THE FACTORY IN HO CHI MINH CITY.
Britain, Burberry and Moore
BurBerry looks to British artist henry Moore this season, and reveals the full range of the DK88 collection of luxury leather Bags.
